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Am I over 13. What kind of question is that.Mr. Butcher is one of the best out there, even if he has more hair on his head than I have on my entire body.
This is my first Jim Butcher book, and it will be my last. His prose is simply terrible. I understand that fantasy fans have low expectations for writing quality, but this book is in a whole other category.
There's nothing else to say about this book that hasn't already been said. I'll be reading the rest of the series.One thing bothered me though, just a minor gripe. I decided to pick this up after reading the first of the Dresden Files and enjoyed it quite a bit. It does it's job well enough in introducing a new world and the characters are likeable. It seemed like every time Jim wanted to convey uneasiness or anticipation in his characters he would use the action of them, "licking their lips". It's used so often that I started to laugh about it towards the end of the book.
just a recommendation to give both of these series a try. So, then I started on the Codex Alera and have devoured them.
I'm a Kellerman (both him and her), Cornwell, Sanford, Connelly, etc. reader.
Typically, I'm not a fan of fantasy (although, the gray Mouse and Ffard stories do strike my memory as enjoyable). Based on the recommendation of a friend, I started the Harry Dresden books and got hooked and devoured all of them.
I read a lot of Sci Fi growing up (Heinlein, Asimov, Ellison, Dick, Brunner, etc). and absolutely loved Dune, but hated Lord of the Rings (too boring in book form - terrific in movie form).
No spoilers here. if my likes and dislikes sound familiar, you might find a new author to give a try.This is really a 4.5 rounded up to 5 - it's not perfect, but it's a fun ride.
First of all, I have to explain that I just L O V E "The Dresden Files" books - and (to me) the best part is the constant witty banter/dialogue.the personalities of his characters - pretty much everything about these stories. For me, it was just "ok". It was not a book I just hated to put down.and truthfully, I probably won't even read the next book in this series. I even very much enjoyed the tv series [although I'm still completely amazed that they canceled after 1 season - everyone I've loaned my DVDs to has realy enjoyed this series.I think it simply didn't get enough publicity]. If you're thinking of reading this series BECAUSE you really liked the style of writing in The Dresden Files - I think you'll find this something of a let down. At any rate - it was because I loved Jim Butcher's writing so much in that series, that I decided to read this 1st book of his new series. I just can't get enough of them - can't put them down. Something I would expect from someone with less storytelling talent than Jim has.
It's not a stinker - it's just that it's HUGELY different writing.I just didn't find the "Jim" (quick wit, great dialogue, etc). in this book. The characters didn't grab me.and the "story" wasn't all that great. Sorry Jim.
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