Rummanah Aasi
  A couple of weeks ago, I had a bad reading streak. Nothing seemed to catch my eye and books that I had anticipated to really enjoy just kind of fizzled. In hopes of overcoming my bad book after-taste, I picked up the second book in the Dresden Files. The humor, action, and mystery is just want I needed in order to revitalize me as a reader. I don't feel a sense of urgency to read the Dresden Files series straight through, unlike some other series, but that's not to say that the Dresden Files isn't good. It is and I would highly recommend them to readers who enjoy urban fantasy and crime fiction.

Description (from Goodreads): Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn't been able to dredge up any kind of work—magical or mundane.
  But just when it looks like he can't afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise. A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses;and the first two don't count...

Review: Fool Moon is even better than Storm Front. Butcher seems to have a better sense of what he would like to do with his characters and his intricate and complex world of magic set against the back drop of the Windy City. Fool Moon treats its readers to more world building, especially where the paranormal creatures such as werewolves and were-creatures are involved, more back story, and more insight into Harry and his friends.
  I found Harry instantly likable in Storm Front. He comes off as your average gumshoe detective who just happens to be a wizard and almost always broke. In Fool Moon we get a glimpse of Harry's vulnerabilities, his lack of companionship, and other parts of his psyche. Harry's big flaw is his constant impulsive behaviors that go against the guardians of magic, the White Council, not because he is abusing his powers but he finds himself in places he shouldn't be. Though placed on the White Council's watch list, Harry is always showing them how wrong they have him pegged. Yes, he can be extremely annoying and a pain to them, but his actions continuously show his good intentions and his sense of justice.
  I really enjoyed the beginnings of his relationship with his police partner Murphy in the first book. As this story progressed, it became clear to Harry that he is now forced to evolve his relationship with Murphy to the next level- mind you that it isn't physical but reaching out a trusting hand in friendship. He really came to see just how much he put her at risk while selfishly believing that he was protecting her. I hope that as the series moves forward now that he will be more open and up front with her. Murphy is definitely a person that Harry should have in his corner. 
  As you could probably tell, there are werewolves in the book and I liked that Butcher tried to make them his own with his unique spin on the traditional paranormal creature. The werewovles provide the pulse pounding action. There was a bit bloody gory action that took place that had me cringing, but nothing that made me want to set the book down.
 Thankfully, Fool Moon wraps up the mystery quite nicely in the end. There is no cliffhanger yet more story lines can easily more forward. I'm very excited to see how what other dangers Harry finds himself in and what other relationships he develops.

Rating: 4 stars

Words of Caution: There is some strong language and violence along with gory images and sexual situations. Recommended for mature teens and adults only.

If you like this book try: Grave Peril (Dresden Files #3) by Jim Butcher, Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne, Child of Fire by Harry Connolly, Fated by Benedict Jacka
8 Responses
  1. Jenny Says:

    I've heard nothing but great things about this series Rummanah! I will admit to being intimidated by since there are currently so many books out and I don't know that I have time to read them all, but I really hope to give them a try at some point. Do you think there will be a romance with Murphy down the line, or is she firmly in the friend camp?


  2. I have been eyeing this series for a long time. I am looking for something along the lines of Charley Davidson and Kevin Hearne does this compare? Harry sounds like a likable protagonist and the author must be doing something right if it is on book 12 or 13 by now.


  3. Lauren Says:

    After your review of Storm Front I put myself on the waitlist at my library for the audiobook and I can't wait to get it (I'm next according to overdrive). So glad to hear the series is still going strong for you. I'm happy to hear there are no major cliffies in this one but it keeps you invested in Harry's story. It seems like I'll be waiting awhile in between each installment, so that's good to hear. :-) Wonderful review!


  4. Yes, unlike most urban fantasy series, this one just keeps getting better. I really like Murphy and I love how multi-layered and realistic their relationship seems. Harry can be frustrating at times, but I believe Butcher does this on purpose.
    Great review!


  5. I listened to Storm Front on audio recently. The narrator was awful, though I still managed to enjoy the book. I'm glad to hear this one is better. Looking forward to seeing more between Murphy and Harry. :) Great review!


  6. I'm glad that you found the sequel to be even better than the first book, Rummanah, and that this one helped get you out of your bad reading streak. I too have series that I'm in no urgency to read but I know that if I read a book within that series, it'll be good.


  7. Candace Says:

    I so, SO want to start this series! I think it's one that's right up my alley. And I'm happy to hear that the second is better than the first. Usually first in UF series aren't the best but they usually get better and better.


  8. I'm glad that you found the sequel to be even better than the first book.


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