Thursday, October 25, 2012

Bookish Thoughts: Storm Front by Jim Butcher

Storm Front by Jim Butcher, 
Narrated by James Marsters
Buzzy Multimedia Publishing, 1997 (Unabridged)
Fantasy; 8hrs 1min

For about a year now, I have made an effort to listen to audio books. A more serious one, anyway. I began by listening to two conversational type memoirs (both of which I adored) and then tried one made up of a collection of essays (big flop), deciding I was finally ready to try an actual novel--a familiar one at that. I am a huge Jim Butcher fan with a literary crush on the great Harry Dresden, wizard private eye extraordinaire. I had heard wonderful things about James Marsters narration of the Dresden Files' books and figured Storm Front, the first in the series, would be a good place to start.

Once I got over the initial giggles over Marsters's constant breathy-ness, I settled in for the auditory ride. I actually think Marsters does a great job capturing the main character's attitude and style--at least how I imagine it: dry sense of humor, modest, and more or less matter of fact. Marsters is Dresden. At least it felt like that as I listened.  (It's too bad though that Harry isn't British.  I would have loved to hear Marsters use his English accent.  I sure do miss Spike).

The story itself was as fun and intense as I remember it. Well, maybe not quite as intense. I kind of knew what was going to happen next given I'd read the book before. But that was way back in July of 2004, so my memory was fuzzy enough to make sure there were some surprises.

For those not lucky enough to have met Harry Dresden yet, he is just your regular guy. Except he's a wizard, the only private investigating wizard in Chicago. He is a bit reluctant to take on a missing persons case when approached by the wife of the missing man, wondering if she would better be served by the police or a regular private investigator. He quickly discovers, however, that the case isn't quite what it seems on the surface, and maybe his particular skill set is just what it will take to find the man. As if that isn't enough to keep Harry busy, he is called in by the police to consult on a rather bizarre murder--one that clearly reeks of dark magic. 

The book has a little bit of everything. There is magic--lots of it--faeries, vampires, a big cat, a talking skull, and plenty of action and a spoonful of romance. I let out a squeal when my most favorite Harry Dresden scene ever began, so well narrated by Marsters.

Re-visiting the first book in the series after having read 9 of the 13 books (so far published) was an interesting experience. So much has happened in between then and now in the series. I was reminded of the complicated friendship between Harry and Detective Karen Murphy, and hearing about it Harry's voice added a slightly different nuance to it than I remember from my reading of the book--or perhaps that is just the erosion of time on my memory. There was also mention of Harry's past, his struggle with the White Council, and hints of turmoil to come between certain characters.  I couldn't help but think of how little rest Harry will get in the next few years, as the series progresses.  When does that man get to sleep?!

Whoever said that listening to books I'd read and enjoyed before was a good way to ease into listening to audio books knew what she was talking about. I can't wait to listen to the second book in the series. If I ever catch up, I wonder which way I'll prefer to enjoy the books in the future . . .

Rating:  * (Very Good)


You can learn more about Jim Butcher and his books on the author's website.  And for more information about James Marsters, check out his website on his website.

Source: I purchased an audio copy of this book for my own personal pleasure.


© 2012, Wendy Runyon of Musings of a Bookish Kitty. All Rights Reserved. If you're reading this on a site other than Musings of a Bookish Kitty or Wendy's feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.

16 comments:

  1. I just recently picked up book five of the series to try and get back into it (I never read past five.) If I'd realized Spike did the audio I'd have taken that route! In fact, I might still do that.

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  2. My favorite audio series ever, and I'm only up to book 11.5 (Side Jobs). I haven't read any of them in print but absolutely love, love, love them as an audio experience. You will be happy to know that James' breathiness goes away around book three, and then the experience gets so much better. I just listened to three of the books in one week, so I am definitely a bit obsessed. I will be curious what you think of the audiobook versions as you progress.

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    1. Michelle - I can't wait to start on book 2. If only I can make it through Lolita. LOL

      I am glad the breathiness goes away--thanks for letting me know!

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  3. Sounds like a series I should look into and I've just started listening to audio books again so this might be a good option for me as well.

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    1. Kathleen - I really enjoy the books, so hope you will give them a try. From my experience with the first audio book, this is definitely a good option to take (although reading them is a good one too!).

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  4. I have this book on my shelf. I considered listening to it as an audiobook, but I decided that I wanted to settle down with the wizard detective of my beloved Chicago myself- seriously, sounds like the series was made for me!

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    1. Aarti - I completely understand. Do let me know what you think when you read it!

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  5. I've been wanting to read this series for a while now. Maybe audio would be the way to go!

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    1. Staci - I really enjoyed the audio. Do give the series a try either way. It's one of my favorites.

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  6. I need to catch up with this series! I just recently reread Fool Moon and now I need to grab the 3rd book. I'm not sure if I've read it already or not (one of the main reasons that I started rereading these early books) but I'm excited to continue on with this series! I should try listening to them at some point too!

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    1. Samantha - I really need to catch up too. I had hoped to do it this year, but it's not looking good so far.

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  7. I like the idea of a wizard detective!

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    1. Kathleen - Jim Butcher does such a great job with the character. The series is well worth reading (or listening to).

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  8. I have never tried the audio books but Harry is my fave wizard at the moment.

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    1. Caspette - He's my favorite too! I have a little crush on him, don't tell!

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