Hey Robert,

Remember back in 2007 when the Space channel had a new series called the Dresden Files. Well, they are also a series of books and Jim Butcher is a freaking book wizard.

Title: Storm Front
Series: The Dresden Files; Book 1
Author: Jim Butcher
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Private Investigator (PI)
Audience: You should find this in the adult fantasy section of the library.
ROTS Setting:
Synopsis: 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 don’t play 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 black 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. (summary from Goodreads)
Recommendation: I am so glad I asked people if this was a good series as books. Because I honestly don’t remember much from the TV series. Oh and it is good, we’ll see if is very good depending on how the next books turn out.

Continue reading “Storm Front – Book 1 Dresden Files – By Jim Butcher” →

Hey Robert,

So you mentioned that Jim Butcher who writes the Dresden Files also wrote a book about the Roman Legion and Pokemon. After that conversation, I went to my library website and politely asked for them to send me the audio book.

Title: Furies of Calderon
Series: Codex Alera; Book 1
Author: Jim Butcher
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: Iron age, elemental magic, UU
Synopsis: For a thousand years, the people of Alera have united against the aggressive and threatening races that inhabit the world, using their unique bond with the furies – elementals of earth, air, fire, water, and metal. But now, Gaius Sextus, First Lord of Alera, grows old and lacks an heir. Ambitious High Lords plot and maneuver to place their Houses in positions of power, and a war of succession looms on the horizon.” “Far from city politics in the Calderon Valley, the boy Tavi struggles with his lack of furycrafting. At fifteen, he has no wind fury to help him fly, no fire fury to light his lamps. Yet as the Alerans’ most savage enemy – the Marat – return to the Valley, he will discover that his destiny is much greater than he could ever imagine.” Caught in a storm of deadly wind furies, Tavi saves the life of a runaway slave named Amara. But she is actually a spy for Gaius Sextus, sent to the Valley to gather intelligence on traitors to the Crown, who may be in league with the barbaric Marat horde. And when the Valley erupts in chaos – when rebels war with loyalists and furies clash with furies – Amara will find Tavi’s courage and resourcefulness to be a power greater than any fury – one that could turn the tides of war. -Synopsis from Goodreads
Recommendation: This is such a cool idea I love it. It is a late teen book. There is way too much gore for it to be for the same age of kids that Pokemon is marketed to. WARNING: There are some strong themes of sexual assault and rape in this book.

Continue reading “Codex Alera – Book 1: The Furies of Calderon – By Jim Butcher” →