Here is Book One of the Dresden Files, a series of fairly clean (though somewhat violent) adult novels that blur the line between sci-fi/fantasy and mystery. Now also a TV series on the Sci Fi channel, the Dresden Files are the adventures of a wizard named Harry...Harry Dresden, that is. He lives in Chicago and scrapes a meagre living as a private investigator with a paranormal twist. “Lost items found...Consulting. Advice...No Love Potions, Endless Purses, or Other Entertainment,” says his business card. Most of his business comes from consulting with the Chicago Police Department’s “Special Investigations” unit and its pretty, but hard-bitten, lead detective, Karrin Murphy.

In this first Dresden File mystery, Harry has two tough cases on his hands. One comes from a paying client who is worried about her husband, a self-taught wizard who may be a danger to himself or others. The other case involves a series of grisly murders that are baffling the Chicago Police – murders so clearly magic-related that Harry himself is the obvious suspect. It’s bad enough with the police thinking so, but the White Council also suspects Harry. And with a suspended death sentence hanging over his head, any evidence that Harry has committed a magical crime will lead to swift and irreversible justice.

Storm Front is a thrilling beginning to another series full of magic, mystery, and suspense. It has an intriguing concept of magic, a troubled but compelling hero, complex layers of danger and conflict, and a lot of juicy extras, from pizza-loving fairies to a beautiful vampire madam. It has giant rampaging scorpions, evil wizards and their forbidden minions, a drug-related gang war, a smart-mouthed talking skull, and a hot date that totally goes to hell.

Yes, there is some occult content in this story, such as the summoning of spirits. You’ll have to choose for yourself whether this is done, or can be done, in an acceptable way. Why not read the first book in the series before you decide?

Robbie Fischer
USA

Recommended Age: 14+

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