Dresden Files Books newbie Discussion

For those concerned, Harry does have some 'down time' between 'giant battles' against - whatever. The books are all set about a year apart. (Except the first three, where there's about 6 months between them... I think.)

So between these larger stories, Harry's just lurking about his office reading his paperbacks or locating people's car keys. =)
 
Highlander II said:
For those concerned, Harry does have some 'down time' between 'giant battles' against - whatever. The books are all set about a year apart. (Except the first three, where there's about 6 months between them... I think.)

So between these larger stories, Harry's just lurking about his office reading his paperbacks or locating people's car keys. =)
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Yeah but who counts those times i know i dont. Since we dont experience them with Harry.

Thats why i like Harry having moments just talking with Bob,Murphy etc without there being a battle or some other trouble

Bob and Harry are always fun together. Murphy makes Harry look more human since she is so far where im in the series his only real human friend outside that holy warrior Michael.

JB is really good on developing all the characters over a time in the series. Even the bad guys are interesting. You dont have to be the main bad guy to get developed and become interesting.

The action dont make the series for me, its all about the characters,the world(s).
 
I know exactly what would happen if we saw a lot of Harry vis-a-vis Bob is told to us in a story line. There would be a host of complaints about totally unecessary stuff and why waste time getting to the action. I count myself among those who would so complain.

We what is important is that we get some ideas of Harry's growth and continued healing of his ruined hand. Flickum Bickus worked after some long time. We did not need a lot of space to inform us that Harry is progressing.

The whole nature of the situations that we see Harry getting into is that JB has us aware that time constraints are a part of the deal and that Harry seldom has time to get a good rest or be totally prepared for all of the surprises. Jb is an afficionado of no battle plan survives first contact with the enemy. The one most prepared for everything going into the dumper is the one most likely to come out the other side without too many pieces missing. JB is really good at that. It is what makes things so interesting. Make a real mess of the situation and then figure out how Harry can survive it.
 
Except that those 'downtimes' Harry has are important to his character development. We see a hint of it in the first book when the mailman comes to his door. It's important, b/c it establishes part of why Harry lives in a basement apartment. It wouldn't be exciting to read, which is why it's not part of the novels, but it *is* important to Harry's character.

Jim's 'philosophy' for Harry is 'think of the worst thing that could happen, then kick it up a notch or four'. =) It makes for some amusing scenes - like naked!Harry battling the toad demon in the middle of a thunderstorm with Susan, hopped up on love potion ala Bob, puking on the side of the road. Jim is eeeeevil. *eg*
 
I agree, giggle, giggle, that some background is necessary. However, JB did not dwell upon it. He got it out there and moved on. I do not need a chapter of discourse between Bob and Harry in order to understand their relationship. Background on Harry is always interesting and JB feeds us stuff to keep up with what is going on with Harry D. I am not opposed to background information.

I like it too as it tells me the author is thinking about the advancement of his character and from whence he started. I do not think it necessary to devote a chapter to it. He did not devote a whole lot of space to HD's office quarters before his client showed up at the door all nervous and on edge in Storm Front.

That scene you described is absolutely one of my faves. :D

It is so typical of JB's Harry Dresden.
 
Finished Storm Front in two sittings, un-put-down-able! A platter of urban fantasy, mystery, horror, comedy. A good story, fast pace - really picked up from the second half and interesting characters (I like Bob, apart from Harry of course), and the tongue-in-cheek humour (occasionally felt overdone just a bit). All in all, a great escape.

Now I can claim I'm officially a new newbie of the Dresden Files. And I have FM, GP, SK in order. Since you guys say the books get better and better, I'll have more treats on the way!:) Envy me.
 
Hmmm, is the person who willingly jumps into the fire of Harry Dresden, Wizard, and his files a victim? It is more like taking a ride on the scariest ride while realizing that the protagonist will likely come out with his life if not completely intact.

Yes, indeed, we older fans do welcome new fans and trust that you will enjoy the ride as much as we do.

BTW, Highlander II, I really do appreciate your work on this site and your occasional contacts with JB and give us a clue as to what is going on. Thanks.
 
The44 said:
BTW, Highlander II, I really do appreciate your work on this site and your occasional contacts with JB and give us a clue as to what is going on. Thanks.
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Thanx! Brian actually does a good chunk of the work - he's the admin - I just help keep things in line. =)

As for my contacts with Jim - holy-wow, I haven't seen him in about a year, now, since his signing tour/convention schedule hasn't hit my side of the continent for a while.

A lot of the info I get from either his site or the message board and a good chunk of it is remembered from the old mailing list (which is what the message board was before it got too unwieldy). But I'm more than happy to share. =)

I've also read through all of the books about 2 or 3 times each and have taken notes for a separate Dresden-related project I was working on (and may revive at some point).
 
Well, cool, I enjoy this site and wish for a ton more of posters. I always enjoy sharing, debating, and arguing over points of view. :cool: ;) :)
 
I am impressed with the taking notes!

I have read them a couple times now but had held back on a few discussions because I wasn't one hundred percent sure the point I was going to argue was correct, and too lazy/busy to double check things. :rolleyes:

'Course, thinking about it I am sure somebody would correct me if I was mistaken in any points I was making... ;)

... and Allegra, I am a bit envious :D
 
*makes note to finish re-reading Small Favor before Turn Coat releases*

I'm a little behind on my reading here lately. *g*
 
HaHaHaHa-Ha

*points and laughs, while unobtrusively pushing the whole pile of Dresden books he has yet to reread before the new one releases behind him*
 
Starting Fool Moon now. Lemme see if it's *weak* (or powerful) enough to put me off Dresden.;) Good news is I'm quite fond of the werewolf - and canine in general thingies.
 
I'll have to join the majority here to say Fool Moon is a bit weaker than, the only one I can compare to, Storm Front. A little too much blood and too much Harry talking to himself. Still entertaining. Like hell I'm going to continue the journey, so far got the books up to White Night. :cool:
 
Keep going - the books only get better! Okay, so I may be biased, but still... keep reading! =)
 
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