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.
