Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1)

Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1) by Jim Butcher
purchased Kindle edition from Amazon.com
Description from Goodreads:
Harry Dresden--Wizard

Lost items found. Paranormal investigations.
Consulting. Advice. Reasonable rates.
No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties, or Other Entertainment.

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things--and most of them don't play too well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a--well, whatever.

There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get... interesting.

Magic. It can get a guy killed.

My Take:

I found this to be a funny, fast, enjoyable read. I have read several reviews on Goodreads that found the character of Harry Dresden to be sexist and some even went so far as to accuse the author as well. I don't think I could go that far.  I found Harry to be good-hearted and acting on the best intentions. Now the way he went about acting on his intentions wasn't necessarily the best route sometimes, but I didn't find him offensive. I thought he was more awkward than anything else.  I found the story to be fast paced, and enjoyable.  I have heard from several different people and other reviewers that the books get better as you work your way through the series.  I do plan to read some more of the books because I think they are fun. I do hope they continue to improve.

I watched the short lived series before reading the book, so I was probably influenced somewhat by that. While I like some of the changes in there series - like the different take on Bob -- I am willing to give the books a fair shot.