Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
Series: The Dresden Files #2
Published by Roc
Published on: January 1 2001
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Pages: 369
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn't been able to dredge up any kind of work magical or mundane.
But just when it looks like he can't afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise.
A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses and the first two don't count...
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I don’t know if it was the lowered expectations from being told by every-friggin’-body that DRESDEN doesn’t start “getting good” until book 3 or 4, or if it was how much cooler the book was than the TV episode based on this same installment, or something else entirely . . .
The why doesn’t really matter, what matters is the outcome, and the outcome is that I thought this book was fan-friggin’-tastic.
FOOL MOON was a vast improvement from STORM FRONT. Harry was more winsomely Harry, and while still occasionally awkward, after the first 25% or so, it petered off considerably. In the end, I was completely won over by his adorkableness.
I was not won over by Murphy. I hesitate to comment on how hard I am not shipping her and Harry right now, b/c I already did that while I was actually reading it, and was inundated by assurances that she has good reasons for being the unreasonably mistrustful, impulsive, violent harpy that she currently is.
I BELIEVE you. When EVERYONE is of the same opinion, it’s silly to deny its likelihood. (<-----this needs a qualifier: when like-minded bookish people are ALL of the same opinion, I accept that it is most probably a reflection of what MY OWN opinion will be. After I’ve formed it. For myself. I AM NOT ENDORSING HERD MENTALITY.)
BUT.
That doesn’t change the fact that right now she’s an unreasonably mistrustful, impulsive, violent harpy.
Beyond Harry himself improving, there was also a solid plot with solid good guys and bad guys (the lack of which being my biggest complaint about STORM FRONT).
Some kind of werewolf is killing people in Chicago. And by “killing,” I mean ripping, tearing, eviscerating, etc.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: boys are gross. #sorrynotsorry
It’s up to Harry to find out who. And also what. I said “some kind” of werewolf b/c there are apparently a lot to choose from, each varying degrees of, “Oh, shit.”
The werewolf lore was very interesting, especially that twist at the very end. An insect-like demon giving teasers about Harry’s mother, and more escapades with Harry’s ability to “soulgaze” kept the pages turning, and I felt like Butcher really raised the bar.
However, it wasn’t perfect.
There were eye rolls when a nerd was characterized by looking like he should have a pocket protector, and when Harry told the Bad Guy that he’s “scum” . . . *rolls eyes*
BUT.
He also says things like this:
Christ. I wished the police were as savvy as these ne’er-do-wells.
And this:
That was black magic, and it was easy to use. Easy and fun. Like Legos.
And after he calls the Bad Guy “scum,” he rallies and gives an epic smack down, with this as the parting shot:
“If we were in public, Mr. Dresden, I’d have you killed for speaking that way to me.”
“If we were in public,” I told him, “you’d try.”
BOOM.
It’s an interesting juxtaposition of “ne’er-do-wells” and black magic : legos analogies and “should have had a pocket protector” nerds and “ka-blowie”s. BUT. I see very good things.
On a completely random note, are any of you familiar with Jimmy Fallon’s “Ew” sketch from SNL? B/c Jimmy’s character has a stepdad named Gary, and every time Harry does something adorkable or something stupidly dangerous, in my head I’m yelling “Harry!” in the same voice that Sara (no “h” b/c h’s are ew!) yells, “Gary! Ew, go away, Gary!” and it cracks me up. *shrugs awkwardly*
Anyway, suffice it to say that I am well and truly hooked by Dresden. Well done, Butcher. Well done. *tips hat*
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My name is Jessica and I live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. I’m trying my hand at writing, but mostly I read. My favorite genres are Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, and the YA versions of those genres, but if there is a book of a different color getting lots of buzz, I’ll read it too, just to be informed. If I’m not reading or writing, I’m probably on Goodreads or Pinterest or baking blueberry pies because I love them.
This is another series that I feel like I need to start at some point, and I’m glad to hear that you’re gonna be doing the reading before me, so I’ll know what to look forward to! 😉
Pili recently posted…Waiting On Wednesday #91!!
I’m holding off from FULLY endorsing it until I read book 4, but so far, so good 😉
I’m glad this installment was even better than you were expecting, Jessica, despite not shipping Harry and Murphy and things like pocket protectors. 😉 I may have to give this series a try since you’re liking it AND I suggested it to my son who said he didn’t want to read it because ‘there are like 50 books in the series’. I guess he doesn’t want to make the investment. *ha*
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Review & Blogger Chick Chat ~ Boy Toy ~ Jay McLean
Sometimes I miss the days when a good, long series like this one made me excited instead of filled with trepidation, LOL. BUT. I’ve finally managed to convince myself that just b/c I start a 10+ book series, doesn’t mean I have to finish it. If it’s crap, dump it. If it’s not, YAY! 😉
I’m now curious how I’d rate the first books in this series if I read them now. *plans Dresden Files re-read* I recall Harry rapidly growing on me, but Murphy took longer (which is strange now that I think about it. I usually love strong, gun-toting female characters.).
I’m so glad that you’re beginning to enjoy the series. The later books are amazing.
E.J. Stevens recently posted…Paranormal Road Trip: Destination Chicago with Megan Morgan
That’s what I keep hearing. And I’ve got nearly all of the books (b/c one-clicking<------it's a PROBLEM), so I don't plan on quitting.
It’s been so long since I began reading this series that I simply don’t remember what Murphy was like back then… I think I stopped at White night – I do need to catch up ! Glad you’re hooked, welcome to the club 😉
Red Iza recently posted…Review / Stella Duffy : Doctor Who, the anti-hero
It’s a BIG club, LOL. And I hope you so catch up 😉
I love how awkward and nerdy Harry is, despite his knowledge and power and dark background. And, yeah, I never shipped Murph and Harry together. They’re much better as partners who both help and irritate one another.
Mary recently posted…Pre-Squee: Silver in the Blood by Jessica Day George
I do, too. Geeks are the BEST. And I’m on the fence about Murphy. I just finished GRAVE PERIL last night, and thankfully she didn’t act a harpy, so there’s hope yet 😉
I read book one but wasn’t in love with it. Maybe I should give this series another try?
Wonderful review Jessica!
kindlemom1 recently posted…WoW Pick of the Week!
The first book wasn’t great, IMO. But I knew that it probably wouldn’t be, so it was easy to push through. I’m waiting to tell people they should give it another try until after book 4 though 😉
This is one series I absolutely Love! I recommend it to Everyone. And I’m still not won over by Murphy, and I’ve read all of them.
HA. Good to know I won’t be the only one if I don’t change my mind 😉
She is a violent Harpy but think of it like Trent. Everyone keeps telling me I will like him, I am just going to have to take their word on it LOL because right now (book 5) he is still shady to me 🙂
Felicia The Geeky Blogger recently posted…Library Audiobook Review: Red Rising by Pierce Brown
YOU WILL LOVE TRENT. *snickers* Okay, I get your point, and I will try to be open-minded.
I keep meaning to read his books and then get sidetracked! I have some vacation coming soon and I think starting it off with one of Butcher’s books would be a good idea.
A rip tear review! Thanks for sharing:)
Laura Thomas recently posted…Cozy Cover Reveal and Giveaway ~ You Can’t Get Blood Out Of Shag Carpet by Juliette Harper
Thank you! I hope you manage to fit it in some time, b/c Butcher is kind of fantastic 😉
I really wasn’t sure I was going to like this series, even when it came highly recommended by my friends, but I ended up loving the first two books on audio! James Marsters does a fantastic job as Harry Dresden, I think I’m spoiled now and will continue the series on audio vs. reading. Great review Jessica…glad you’re enjoying Harry! 🙂
Lori recently posted…Blog Tour: Deadly Curses by Donna Shields {Guest Post + Giveaway}
Me TOO. And fun to meet another Dresden noob (there are so few of us). Thanks, Lori!
Yeah, I know people say that the series doesn’t get good til books 3 or 4, but this one was actually one of my favorites/the most memorable. It was the first “real” introduction to the werewolves in this series and it’s always stuck with me.
Mogsy recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday 04/22/15
I thought it was great, too. I actually liked it more than GRAVE PERIL (which I just finished last night). I just hope #4 can live up to the hype 😉
I always meant to start this series, and somehow didn’t. I’ve caught a few episodes of Dresden Files on TV, which I found interesting. So the books are probably better 🙂 Dark magic like legos? What can I say? I’m really curious now. Thanks for another great review!
I think the books are definitely better than the TV series, but when is that ever not the case 😉
i only saw the show. I’m still bitter that they cancelled it. I do love the lores and other myths included in the series.
My favorite is the skull… Or the ghost/owner of it
I was really ticked when they cancelled it, too, but now I’m kind of glad b/c the books are SO MUCH BETTER, and I hate being spoiled for books b/c TV or movies. And, YES, Bob is hilarious.
Another series I need to read, but if I’m honest the 15 books scare me a bit… So many books!
BookaholicCat recently posted…Book Quotes and Other Book-Related Stuff # 9
But if they’re good books, then it’s YAY, LOTS of good books! And if they’re not . . . stop reading them 😉
This series is unexplored territory for me at the moment, but on the list for future. Can’t say that I blame you for reacting to what you have in front of you with the heroine and not what she’ll be in the future.
Sophia Rose recently posted…Interview w/ PA DePaul & Julie Ann Walker #Giveaway
Exactly, LOL. Some people are so sensitive about their beloved characters . . . like me . . . 😉
Lol! Love your review, Jessica. I’ve never understood the “… doesn’t get good until…” comments myself. I thought Dresden was good right off the bat. And, yes, Murphy starts out as less than likeable. I kinda envy you being new to Dresden. You have a pretty entertaining journey ahead!
Ivana
http://onebooktwo.com
That’s what I’m hoping. And really, when a series is this popular, it’s not much of a risk 😉
Wow, so many books in this series. That’s great you liked this one so much though – I have the first and I really hope to read it soon. I think a friend of mine would really like it too.
ShootingStarsMag recently posted…Waiting on Wednesday: Cut Both Ways
Well, if you do read it soon, I hope you like it as much as I did 😉
Never tried Dresden
blodeuedd recently posted…The perfect mistress – Victoria Alexander
You should try Dresden 😉
It’s been a long time since I read this one, but I’ve been crushing on Harry ever since the first book and he keeps getting better and better! Didn’t really care for the TV show, but I only saw the first episode so maybe it got better? Love the Jimmy Fallon Ew skits!
Terri recently posted…What do you do when a book you’re reading is just….meh?
LOVE Jimmy Fallon Ew skits! *high fives* And yeah, I’ve been crushing on Harry for a bit too. I liked the TV show, but I’m just now reading the books for the first time, and even I can see how much better they are, so I probably wouldn’t have liked it if I found the books first.
I’ve heard the same thing. It takes a few books in to get hooked. Glad you already like it. I have the first book but haven’t quite gotten to them yet. You do have me more curious about the secondary characters now. 🙂
Melissa (Books and Things) recently posted…Garden book review: The Allergy-Fighting Garden by Thomas Leo Ogren
The secondaries are getting better and better. And Harry is really quite wonderful all by himself. Give me a couple more installments and I’ll be able to tell you if I think it’s worth the investment 😉
I so love this series. I’ve been listening, but not getting as far as I want. Between you, me and Carmel, I’m glad to see that I’m not the only one who is so far behind on this series.
Melanie recently posted…Fiction Police: New Covers from Paula Brackston, Victoria Schwab, Catherynne M. Valente and more!
Right? I’m not used to be the one experiencing the really great, long-running UF series for the first time, LOL. It’s . . . weird 😉
Yet another author that makes me shake in my boots. lol. Probably in the distant future.
JOY // Joyousreads recently posted…[514]: The Fearless by Emma Pass
LOL. He’s really good. Maybe you should try THE AERONAUT’S WINDLASS when it comes out this fall. Don’t know how you feel about steampunk, but it’s a first in series 😉
I love Harry so much. He is definitely adorkable, and that doesn’t seem to change with later books. I’ve been slowly working through the series because I insist on only devouring the audiobook versions. The narration is just so spot on Harry that I can’t not have that voice with the story.
Sarah M recently posted…Review: Dead Beat
I would love to do the audio, but I legit have auditory ADD. I’m too distractable. BUT. I have an excellent imagination, and no problem whatsoever imagining Harry with Marsters voice 😉
Ah! Maybe it’s time to pick up this series again. I love Harry and Jame’s interpretation of these books, I just don’t know why I don’t keep up. I’m like a child, as soon a someone shows a new shiny object I get distracted..LOL
Great review 🙂
Lupdilup recently posted…The Martian Audiobook by Andy Weir (REVIEW)
I get you, LOL. Shinys are always distracting me. But I’m loving this series, and planning to stick with it (shinys be damned 😉 ).
I tried book 1 years ago when it came out in French but I was quite mixed in the end, maybe because I was exepecting to love it so much. Someone told me that it was getting better as we continue the series so maybe I should so that and try this one.
I’ve heard that the series doesn’t get good until book 4 from like . . . the whole world. I wasn’t crazy about book 1 either, but this was a definite improvement.
It’s been so long since I read the beginning of this series it’s hard to remember. Glad that you enjoyed this more than the first. It definitely gets better
Kristina D recently posted…Some Thursday Randomness
I think so, too 😉