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.

[sohrshah]

I have been told time and again to read that series, and your issues with the book actually make me want to read it all the more. Sometimes an imperfect book is more fun to talk about than a "perfect" one.

[wunderworks]

Also, Storm Front was the first book that Jim Butcher wrote, and he does get better. You can see the author sharpening his skill as he goes, not something everyone enjoys, but it's nice.

Again, I'm a sucker for Sam Spade Dark and Stormy Nights, so this series can get me to buy another one just about every time I walk by the sci-fi section.

If you're too worried I'd go pick them up at a used bookstore, I've seen a few of them available at mine.

[bloodthorn]

I'm debating about reading further because I understand it was his first book. I've seen the author's blog and he has a self-awareness about himself that I appreciate and respect. That just has to be weighed against my continued anger and hatred for the state of fantasy publishing. I have to weigh my desire to support a well meaning author vs. my desire not to encourage this USA Network serial attitude in fantasy publishing.

As someone who's had my head buried in hardboiled detective fiction for the last four months Storm Front is even a further let down. It has all the tone, atmosphere and attitude and none of the substance. Where's the REAL Raymond Chandler but with magic novel?

John Wick did it so much better with No Loyal Knight.

[wunderworks]

Aye, but John's been busy with Houses, and Butcher has sequels that do get better.

[heinous_bitca]

Would you mind if I linked your post to his agent? She's a friend of mine and on LJ. ;)

[bloodthorn]

Wow, that's pretty cool. Be my guest.

[greyorm]

Far as I understand, all the missed opportunities you mention come up later in the series in their own glory. However, I should note I haven't read the series yet, just watched the TV series, and it certainly delivered there.

DAMN SCI-FI FOR CANCELING IT! DAAAAAMN THEEEEEEEEEEM! *shakes fist*

*cough*