Jordan's Age Rating: 17+ (Violence, Language, Some Sexual References)
Jordan's Quality Grade: B
Author:
Jim Butcher
Publisher:
Roc (USA)
This is what I would call light reading for the Fantasy Enthusiast. Granted the book is still 322 pages long, which might be considered daunting to a casual reader of fiction in general. However, any true lover of fantasy will tell you that this is on the shorter side, and somewhat typical for a light read. Also, the plot is not overly complex. Mr. Butcher chose to write the story in the first person, which, coupled with the type of story, makes the book read like an old fashioned detective novel. Set in the Windy City of Chicago, the story follows a man called Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden (If he knew I told you his full name he would throttle me!), who is a professional Wizard and Consultant for the Chicago P.D. Special Investigations Unit. The Special Investigations unit is headed by Harry's friend, the sharp, take-no-prisoners, black-belt-in-Aikido detective Sgt. Murphy, who Harry insists on treating like a lady despite her best efforts. Her unit is in charge of investigating "unusual crimes" i.e. crimes unexplainable by normal occurrences. The concepts and settings are interesting, but not altogether original. It is reminiscent of the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series, by Laurel K. Hamilton, which itself is no pioneer to the concept. The book is not as heavy and involved as many other books and series of the Fantasy or Science Fiction Genre. We are not looking at a novel of the same caliber as Martha Wells' City of Bones, or Dune, by Frank Herbert, but an entertaining read nonetheless. The book is somewhat predictable, but as you read further and further in, it still becomes quite impossible to put the book down. The reader will become endeared to the plight of the characters, and will continue reading in the hope that everything will turn out alright, as if rooting for the protagonists. The characters are rather archetypal, easy to like, and fun to follow. This book would appeal to Indiana Jones or National Treasure fans. It contains similar wit and complexity, and is just all around good entertainment. I would highly recommend this novel if you are looking for a light, enjoyable read which does not require intense thinking or reasoning, and to those who just want to sit back and see the mystery unfold.
Also by Jim Butcher:
The Codex Alera Series
No comments:
Post a Comment