Comments | rivkat: Fantasy sequels and sequel-types

rivkat

Fantasy sequels and sequel-types

May 10, 2006 06:39

au: stewart, reviews, fiction, au: butcher, au: briggs

Comments 8

fajrdrako May 10 2006, 13:43:51 UTC

I really appreciate the comments on Dead Beat, since I haven't made up my mind whether to read another Harry Dresden novel. I was quite disappointed in the first one - found it was too superficial and artificial in all senses of that word - but at the same time, I like the idea of the books, the basic concept. Sliding Harry towards the dark might help, I'm not sure. Cohabitation with a demon sounds like a John Constantine sort of situation.

rivkat May 10 2006, 13:50:33 UTC

The demon takes a while to show up -- I think it's in Summer Knight -- but I do think that Butcher has learned to deliver competent magical mysteries. It's especially hard in a series like this to keep the main character from becoming ever more superpowered, leading to ever nastier villains, and so far he's done a good job.

fajrdrako May 10 2006, 14:00:06 UTC

Competent magical mysteries? I'm not sure that isn't damning with faint praise.

I think my problem was that I felt Harry was being played for humour rather than suspense, which didn't quite work for me.

rivkat May 10 2006, 14:45:13 UTC

Well, they aren't classic literature. I'll pay $6.99 for the entertainment value, and there are no flaws that destroy my enjoyment of the stories. Harry is flippant, true. I think Butcher's going for the Buffy dramedy demographic. Still, I like his world, and if you want more suspense the Wizard's Council that shows up looking for Harry's blood might interest you.

Thread 5

meret May 10 2006, 14:24:26 UTC

Have you read the new Brigg's book, Moon Called? I really enjoyed it. It's about werewolves rather than vampires, but if you liked the early Laurel Hamilton or Tanya huff vampire books, I think you'll like it too. You can read the first chapter here. http://www.patriciabriggs.com/books/mooncalledChapter.shtml

Thanks for all the reviews you've been doing. They're very helpful. :)

rivkat May 10 2006, 14:45:48 UTC

I haven't read the book, but I will probably pick it up when I get a chance.

I'm glad you're enjoying the reviews!

ter369 May 10 2006, 17:37:10 UTC

I enjoy your book review posts so much!

...which together says a lot about the sexual mores of the intended/imagined audience.

I recall the dedication in the first book saying something like "Honey, I promise to pick up my socks", so, yeah.

And Moon Called has been recommended repeatedly to me, but the auto mechanics aspect is one step furter on my yawn scale from guns.