Storm Front

[bloodthorn]

So after completing White Jazz, the fourth book in James Ellroy's LA Quartet I decided to give Dresden Files a try. I'd heard the name of this series around various places but never given it a serious look until I had a conversation with wunderworks in the comment thread of another LJ post. I figured I'd give it a try. At lunch I finished Strom Front which

Comments

[arielstarshadow]

My suggestion is to keep reading. The Dresden files are indeed a series, and as such, more comes out in each book.

[bloodthorn]

Which just confirms a fear. I don't know if this gives me hope that the books will eventually deliver what I want or just makes me angry that once again fantasy fiction can't tell a god damn story right here and now.

[arielstarshadow]

One of the things to bear in mind is that when writing a series, the author often does the reveal a little bit at a time. The Vlad series from Steven Brust is another example.

[bloodthorn]

There is a difference between a Series and Serial. Fantasy publishing has been reduced to only being interested in Serials where each book sequentially builds on the story of the last. I HATE Serials with a fiery passion.

A Series maybe about the same character(s) or place but is not necessarily presented in chronological order nor relies on understanding or experience of past works. The original Conan stories were a Series as were the original Elric stories or Fahfrd and Mouser stories. The Sin City stories in comics are a Series.

A Series can jump around in time and place. Each element can stand alone or be integrated into a cohesive mental space at the reader's leisure. A Serial relies on the reader's desire for closure and resolution to keep buying books and consistently failing to give them that closure and resolution. It's tantamount to drug dealing.

[wunderworks]

While I haven't actually read all of them what I have read has given me some more hope that what you're looking for is partially in this series.

His murder of his mentor is more complex than revealed, and no, the White Council aren't all goodie two shoes. Harry is basically a boy scout with a bad reputation, and I personally identify with that, but not everyone does.

As for stories with personal doubt and darkness check out the Blackheart's Omnibus. I almost NEVER read books that are part of a set world (this one coming from Warhammer Fantasy) but I thoroughly enjoyed this series, an almost Dirty Dozen for the Warhammer World.