Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Book Review: Grave Peril

Grave Peril

By:  Jim Butcher

Publisher:  Roc Fantasy

Publish Date:  September 2001

Format:  Paperback 436pgs, pocketbook size

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  3rd in Dresden Files; 1st Book ~ Storm Front, 2nd Book ~ Fool Moon

Recommendation:  Yep, relate-able main character who's a wizard.  But starting to learn more here of Harry.

Synopsis:
Harry Dresden has faced some pretty terrifying foes during his career.  Giant scorpions.  Oversexed vampires.  Psychotic werewolves.  It comes with the territory when you're the only professional wizard in the Chicago-area phone book.

But in all Harry's years of supernatural sleuthing, he's never faced anything like this: The spirit world has gone postal.  All over Chicago, ghosts are causing trouble - and not just of the door-slamming, boo-shouting variety.  These ghosts are tormented, violent, and deadly.  Someone - or something - is purposely stirring them up to wreak unearthly havoc.  But why?  And why do so many of the victims have ties to Harry?  If Harry doesn't figure it out soon, he could wind up a ghost himself...

First Sentence:
There are reasons I hate to drive fast.

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My Thoughts and Summary:
Harry and his friend Michael, who happens to be the Hand of God as well, have been chasing ghosts around Chicago for two weeks.  Now, they are heading to the hospital for another, dangerous one.  The spirit world has gone ballistic.  Michael brings up Susan's and Harry's relationship with Harry, asking if he loves her and getting him to admit it.  Then tells Harry he needs more human interaction.  Then we back up to the beginning  of the day, leading up to this point.  The day starts with a young female practitioner asking for his protection at closing time.  Protection from a ghost killing her like in her vision, and Harry's at the center of all going on with the ghost she sees.  The same night something nightmarish deadly comes through from the Nevernever one of Murphy's men goes mad.  Harry crosses to the Nevernever to fight the bad spirit, having a run-in with his fairy Godmother.

There is more mention of people in Harry's life, his evil sidhe Godmother.  Interesting.  And to see a touch of his life as to where she had become a part of it.  Harry had some troubles when he was younger.  But every time he ventures into the Nevernever - which is fairly never - she is hot on his trail to find him and keep him.

We start right in with ghost action then fall back to earlier that day when it ends the day at the office with the young girl looking for protection.

This story read better for me, flowed as a story from beginning to end.  There are connections to the previous books but I think you could pick up with this book and start the series here.  The connections between the characters seemed to fit better in this book for me.  The books are getting better for me.  I've heard the fourth is where they start to get real good, so I'm looking forward to it.  I think the world and troubles might start to grow on me now.

Harry is one that many could 'relate' to.  He is what many would call 'human' as a character.  He's powerful in magic, yes, but he wears like any other person.  He gets tired.  His guard falls down and others can get to him when he's not ready.  Human.  Harry is always beat up by the big showdown of the book, even before hand, but finds a way to come through.

Oh, I had to laugh when Harry showed up at the ball!  That was such a play on characters.  The humor here is relaxing.  There are quick comments that fit perfectly with the scene.

This book ends with me wondering on what will happen with Harry...with the White Council, the vampires, Susan, and more.  This story in this book is complete, but the characters feel bigger and live on, leaving us looking to the next book.



***I read this book for my own enjoyment.

18 comments:

  1. Ah yes, Mr Butcher's work. Such a large fan base...and every time another comes out, they clamor into the store to snag a copy 1-2-3. ^_^ Glad you enjoyed it my friend!

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    1. Gina R. There are lots of people that love these books. I wasn't completely sold yet, but they do seem to get better as you go. :) Thank you.

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  2. Oh, yes, I'm currently listening to this one and liking it a lot. I thik I finally understand Harry, at least up to a point. I'm glad you liked it.
    Great review.

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    1. Maja (The Nocturnal Library) - I wasn't completely sold on this series, but this book is better. Harry was kind of boring to me....for a wizard. This book I liked him better and what I'm learning about his heritage. :) Hope you enjoy it.

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  3. One day I'll have to try book 2..

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    1. Melliane, I was not a fan of book 1 or 2. This third book is better. But I've heard it's the fourth that really picks up in the series. I'll keep going to see. :) Thank you.

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  4. Well, didn't they say it took 3 books? :) So glad you enjoyed this one. Now, I feel better about starting this series. Will do so one day. :D

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    1. Yep. Melissa (B&T) you are right. They said the fourth is even better and the one to really hook you. It feels to be picking up nicely now. :) I'll keep going, out of curiosity. ;)

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  5. I'm glad you're starting to feel it. This is one of those things where sticking with a series is worth it. A lot of my favourite series aren't very strong in the first couple of books but get better as the authors find their feet. :-)

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    1. Thank you Mel. Yes, this book felt stronger to me with the story and the characters too. I'll keep going to check out the rest as well. ;P LOL! Thank you.

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  6. I LOVE the Dresden Files and Grave Peril is one of my favorites. The opening scene? *shudder* Uber creepy!

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    1. Hahaha, Oh Cecy. The opening scene was well done. lol. Thank you for stopping by!

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  7. I really should read this from the beginning....I read book #11. >.<

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    1. Carole Rae, I have to say I wasn't a fan of the first 2 books, but you might enjoy them. They weren't bad, the world is amazing, but I felt the story was...lacking something. But they are starting to pick up here. Maybe start with book 3? lol

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  8. You've outpaced me now, I've still haven't picked up book #3... Glad you enjoyed it, yay for the series that only gets better with each book! ;)

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    1. Kara-karina, this one is better than the first 2. I'm curious with the heritage I've learned. I'll have to pick up the next and sneak it in somewhere. :) Thank you.

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  9. .. I really must start reading this series! It sounds awesome!!

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