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Friday, September 9, 2011

Ghost Story by Jim Butcher

Peril The First
Read four books, any length, that you feel fit (my very broad definitions) of R.I.P. literature. It could be Stephen King or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Ian Fleming or Edgar Allan Poe…or anyone in between.

Written By: Jim Butcher
Copyright: 2011
Publisher:  ROC
Paperback Pages:  477

Book one in Peril the first :D
"Life is hard. Dying's easy." That's how Harrys story begins this time around. You see he's dead...or is he? As with all good Dresden Files, things are not always what they appear to be. After waking up in a semifamiliar Chicago Harry soon realizes that he is not in the world of the living. After some debate, he is tasked with going back to the mortal world to track down his own "murderer". The only thing is, he doesn't have his wizarding abilities, aaand no one can see or hear him. Good stuff right?...I know ;)

The way I see it: Classic Dresden, and then some. All of my beloved characters...save one, were included in this newest installment, and Butcher was kind enough to give me an acceptable explanation as to why one of my faves wasn't in attendance....kinda necessary to the story unfortunately. Fans of the series will not be disappointed. I can't tell you the glory I felt when it all clicked into place, although I must say...Jim Butcher makes you work for it. I was a bloodhound hot on a scent, and every time I thought I had found the source....bam! a river washed it away, leaving me to start searching in yet another direction. 

The bad, the bad, and the ugly: Ummm, I tried to drag it out as long as I could, but as always It wasn't long enough for me ;)

Love it or Leave it: Loooove it!!! I've read so many of these I probably wouldn't need a map to find my way around Chicago, but it's simply not a series I ever tire of. They're stories that kinda sneak up on you. They seem simplistic but are actually the complete opposite. 
I've always said these books are easy reads, so I thought it only proper to define what I mean by that. This is it in a nutshell... have you ever had to try to get yourself involved in a story or try to find ways to connect with a character.... Well I don't have to try at all with this series. It's effortless, It just flows and once I start, I'm immersed without even realizing it.  
Oh, one more thing about Ghost Story in particular, I believe I laughed out loud more often then with any of the series so far. The Star Wars and Star Trek references get me every time...read it, you'll understand ;)


14 comments:

Cath said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, it seems like I have a lot of fun ahead of me... I've only read the first book so far.

I know exactly what you mean when you say that you're immersed in the story the minute you start. Like meeting up with an old friend who's known you all your life. I have several series that are like that for me, Mercy Thompson for one, two Alexander McCall Smith series, and the Ruth Galloway crime series by Elly Griffiths. Thank goodness we have these 'old friend' type series say I!

DesLily said... Best Blogger Tips

I havent read this series..it sounds like you really have to start at the beginning..that's too bad. they no longer sell book 1 in hardback unless you want to pay like 45.00 and I'm not about to lol... but I am glad you enjoy this series..

My Gallery of Worlds said... Best Blogger Tips

@CathCat, that's exactly it! Just like an old friend :) It's like comfort food without all the calories...lol

My Gallery of Worlds said... Best Blogger Tips

@DesLilyPat, you actually could start anywhere. Butcher is very descriptive about past events and other characters, without getting boring...lol You know you need another series!!!

Carmen said... Best Blogger Tips

I love Harry. I was recently given the dvd boxset and I can't tell you how upset I was that they had replaced his beaten up Beetle with a jeep thing!

I need to catch up with this series, think I am 5 or 6 in... and this one sounds soooo good!

My Gallery of Worlds said... Best Blogger Tips

@CarmenOh I know...and BOB!!! What the heck??? LOL

Carl V. Anderson said... Best Blogger Tips

Just skimmed, of course, as I will eventually get to this one. I'm really enjoying Storm Front. I've read the first third in anticipation for the questions for that section and once I get them I'll move on through the rest. Just what I was hoping the books would be.

Debi said... Best Blogger Tips

I really, really, REALLY need to start this series! Not sure why I haven't (well, except for the whole there-are-about-a-hundred-million-books-I-want-to-read thing). I do think I would love these to pieces though. Loved your review!

Melissa (Books and Things) said... Best Blogger Tips

Star Trek and Star Wars references? Oh man... that sold me! :) I have the first book, but haven't yet started it. Looks like I so need to! Great review!

Susan said... Best Blogger Tips

Lovely review, animewookie! I'm sorry it's taken me so long to come to your blog - I really enjoy it :-) I love the little bird that flies through too! I've read book one of The Dresden files, and have book two on my shelf. I enjoyed them, and liked the tv show too quite a bit. I have to get reading book two soon. I like how you phrase it that some series are like old friends - yes, that's a feeling I definitely have with certain series too. Thanks so much!

Kailana said... Best Blogger Tips

I am participating in the read-along of the first book, so hopefully I will make it to this book eventually. I read the first book a few years ago and then never read on. There are just too many series and not enough time... This time I am hoping to move on!

Novroz said... Best Blogger Tips

I love reading your enthusiasm on the book. Ishouldpick it upmyself one day.

you beat me in this challenge...I still couldn't start on the books I planned to read for R.I.P

Felicity Grace Terry said... Best Blogger Tips

Thank goodness, I had been trying to leave a comment the week before last and for some reason or other just kept geting an error message. Anyway, I'm able to now.

I love this author, having read the first two books in the series I have book 3 reserved at the library.

Carl V. Anderson said... Best Blogger Tips

Had to laugh at the fact that you tried to drag it out to make it last, because I've done that with books and with the ends of television series before. Wanting to move on but wanting to savor the experience as well. The good thing with this is, I assume, that Butcher will be writing more in the series.

As you know I just finished Storm Front and really enjoyed it, am looking forward to moving on to the next book at some point, hopefully soon.