A book of two halves - Rated 
This is a book of two halves, the first of which made me want to hurl the whole thing at the wall! Littered with 'said bookisms' and adverb abuse, the exposition is about as subtle as a brick and the protagonist, Harry Dresden, comes across as a chauvinistic cliché. When I reached the middle of the book, I seriously thought about not finishing it, but I'm glad I persevered as the second half is of a completely different stripe. The second half is where all the action takes place, and Jim Butcher it seems, is great at action. Despite a preponderance of the past progressive, the descriptions are vivid and convincing, punchy and fast-paced. I didn't want to put it down. The humour became drier (and funnier) and, as I found out more about Dresden and saw him tested by more than just lack of money, my sympathy for him increased immeasurably, warts and all. The plot worked for me; the mix of the modern world with the arcane was fresh and exciting - a new take on old ideas.
I've just ordered the sequel as I would really like to how Butcher's writing changes and whether or not Harry changes too. I hope the whole of the second book is as good as the second half of the first.
Amazing read. - Rated 
This book is simply fabulous. It has so many twists and turns in the plot, making it occasionally hard to follow, but certainly worth it.
There are cliffhangers to keep you hooked and some amazing writing.
Also the fact that this book is about wizards and the realms of magic just makes it that more exciting.
I would say it is aimed at maybe 16 upwards though I am 14 and found it a highly enjoyable read.
Amazing book and i can't wait to read the rest of the series.
Loads of reviews on here already but consider this a review of the series up to number 6... - Rated 
Just a quickie really but I have to say that the ayes have it. Don't believe the negative reviews. Anyone who reads the blurb associated with this book and subsequent series surely can't read this "by mistake", as it clearly tells you what the score is and that this is an interesting mix of magic and gumshoe fiction. I often find it hard to suspend disbelief with fantasy set in the "modern" world but for some reason this series works. Sure it's hokum, but it's good natured hokum. Ideal beach reading with the summer here so take a few of these books with you on your hols.
Not Harry Potter... - Rated
Recommended by a friend this was good fun. Harry Dresden is a Private Detective in modern Chicago. As typical of this literary breed he can barely make the rent and has the authorities and crime lords breathing down his neck.
What sets this aside is that Harry Dresden is a Wizard. The Authorities looming over him are not just the Chicago PD for whom he consults regularly but the White Council of the Wizarding world, out to keep tabs on him. The book rocks along quickly, mixing film noir with a harsh, dangerous magical world that we pick up as we go along.
A book about a magician aimed at an adults not children, and great fun too
Noir - with sensible magic - Rated
I adore the noir films and books and I like a book with magic so this seemed made to fit. Imagine how surprised I was to absolutely LOVE them. I was hooked from this book on - Harry with his wry wisecracking self-deprecating attitude, and his chivalry which hobbles him at every turn.
This was a great start to a wonderful series. Read them in turn or you won't enjoy them as much.
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