Dead Beat by Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden is a mixed metaphor. Harry has vowed to thrust his fragile body between the forces of evil and “normal” human beings. He accepts far more responsibility than he can handle. This leads him to confrontations he can’t possibly survive and yet he does. Necromancers threaten his city and his people and Harry goes well beyond his comfort level to preserve their safety. Harry even goes to the extent of joining forces with a perceived nemesis.

Jim Butcher has not only a wildly fertile imagination, he has a seriously demented funny bone. Non-stop action characterizes his books and this one is no exception. Harry indulges in frequent introspection which makes him feel far more dimensional that a paper character. The involvement of Sue as a solution to one of his problems was hilarious. (Yes, you have to read the book to find out who Sue may be.) Bob shows that even the spirit world may have some sentimental loyalty. Once again, I couldn’t put the

darn book down. Darn you Jim Butcher for forcing me to burn the midnight oil!

I highly recommend the entire series. You will be seeing more as I have finally purchased all the ones that have currently been printed.

Body of work of Jim Butcher

Web Site:

Blood Rites by Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden is up to his hips in naked women. Asked to be security on an adult film set, Harry discovers it just isn’t that sexy. Harry makes a discovery that changes both his life and the way he looks at life in this story.

Once again, I enjoy the self depreciating humor that Butcher imbues in his protagonist. Harry is an eminently likeable person with an admitted rough around the edge skill set. His choice of friends and foes provide the basis for entertainment. Murphy is beginning to be seen as more than just a friend and Harry’s discovery of family colors his entire outlook.

I highly recommend the entire series. You will be seeing more as I have finally purchased all the ones that have currently been printed.

Body of work of Jim Butcher

Web Site:

Summer Knight by Jim Butcher

Harry Dresden is a wizard for hire, the only one in Chicago’s Yellow Pages.
His latest client is Mab, the Winter Queen of Faerie. She makes Harry an offer he literally can’t refuse. Harry has to find out who killed the Summer Knight or die trying.

Butcher does an exceptional job making wizardry seem normal. His characters are quirky and surprisingly believable. I enjoy his plots, I have yet to figure out before hand who did what. Harry has ethics and a strong moral compass. He is an eminently likeable protagonist.

I highly recommend the entire series. You will be seeing more as I have finally purchased all the ones that have currently been printed.


Body of work of Jim Butcher

Web Site:

Infinity by Sherrilyn Kenyon (Chronicles of Nick)

A young man’s coming of age is complicated by werewolves, vampires, gods, demons and eccentric rednecks. When your Mom is a stripper and your Dad is on death row, life can be complicated. This story is a glorious escape down a New Orleans rabbit hole of fantastical characters.

Nick is a somewhat nerdy hard case. His doting Mom makes him crazy and his impoverished inclusion in a prestigious private school does not provide him with a sedate lifestyle. Sherrilyn Kenyon has a vivid, perhaps demented, but absolutely vivid imagination. The characters in the book are extraordinarily colorful and equally unbelievable. I guess I am going to have to track down more of her work. My only criticism is there could have been a little more back story on Ash and Kyrian and others who it seemed like should be familiar. Bubba was a hoot.

I truly enjoyed Nick’s smart mouth. I no doubt identified with the personality type that leads to the mouth running amuck, sadly I have no off setting powers.

I recommend the book.

Body of work of Sherrilyn Kenyon

Web Site: http://www.sherrilynkenyon.com/