Status
Available
Call number
Series
Collection
Publication
New York : ROC, c2001.
Description
Fantasy. Fiction. Mystery. HTML:Wizard for hire Harry Dresden gets mixed-up with the dead in this �??haunting, fantastical novel�?�(Publishers Weekly) in the #1 New York Times bestselling series. Harry Dresden�??s faced some pretty terrifying foes during his career. Giant scorpions. Oversexed vampires. Psychotic werewolves. It comes with the territory, when you�??re the only professional wizard in the Chicago area phone book. But in all Harry�??s years of supernatural sleuthing, he�??s never faced anything like this: the spirit world�??s gone postal. All over Chicago, ghosts are causing trouble�??and not just of the door-slamming, boo-shouting variety. These ghosts are tormented, violent, and deadly. Someone�??or something�??is purposely stirring them up to wreak unearthly havoc. But why? And why do so many of the victims have ties to Harry? If Harry doesn�??t figure it out soon, he… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member xicanti
Harry Dresden goes up against a particularly vicious ghost and a whole slew of other nasties.
I really, really want to like this series, but it's kind of an uphill battle. The books aren't bad, but they don't exactly blow me out of the water. The plots are decent, the magical system is rather
When I reviewed STORM FRONT a while back, I mentioned that I didn't feel there was enough tension. Butcher constantly tells us how much danger Harry's in, but I could never quite feel it. It's much the same here. There were a few exciting parts, (including some large magical fight scenes), but at no point was I fully engrossed. The action wasn't really enough for me.
Butcher does try to tug at the heartstrings this time around, but even that didn't work too well. There's a lot here that hinges on Harry's relationship with Susan, which I never felt. I couldn't invest anything in their romance because it didn't feel like they themselves were really invested in it.
On the plus side, I did like the faith-based magic Butcher introduced this time around, and the book was fun in places. It's just not at all what I was expecting, given all the hype surrounding this series.
I'm not sure yet whether or not I'll give the fourth one a go. Three books seems like enough, but I might give it one more shot.
I really, really want to like this series, but it's kind of an uphill battle. The books aren't bad, but they don't exactly blow me out of the water. The plots are decent, the magical system is rather
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interesting, and the books read fairly quickly. There's just no spark. I can't really get involved with the stories.When I reviewed STORM FRONT a while back, I mentioned that I didn't feel there was enough tension. Butcher constantly tells us how much danger Harry's in, but I could never quite feel it. It's much the same here. There were a few exciting parts, (including some large magical fight scenes), but at no point was I fully engrossed. The action wasn't really enough for me.
Butcher does try to tug at the heartstrings this time around, but even that didn't work too well. There's a lot here that hinges on Harry's relationship with Susan, which I never felt. I couldn't invest anything in their romance because it didn't feel like they themselves were really invested in it.
On the plus side, I did like the faith-based magic Butcher introduced this time around, and the book was fun in places. It's just not at all what I was expecting, given all the hype surrounding this series.
I'm not sure yet whether or not I'll give the fourth one a go. Three books seems like enough, but I might give it one more shot.
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LibraryThing member Unreachableshelf
This third book in the Dresden Files series struck me as erroring more on the side of urban fantasy than detective novel: Harry Dresden, the only wizard in the Chicago yellow pages, is on the case before the book begins. In fact, unlike the first two in the series, this book starts in medias res.
This book also gets points for illustrating well the balanced perspective on religion in the Dresden Files universe. Harry doesn't understand God, and feels a bit nervous about the Catholic church due to its history of burning wizards. However, not only do good Christian characters appear, but one of them, Michael, is a sort of paladin Knight with God at his back. More than any other fantasy novel that I have encountered, Dresden's universe seems to play by the rules of the real world when it comes to having good and bad in any religion, and on top of that the Powers-that-be behind each religion or belief system appear to be equally existant and capable of supplying magic.
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It quickly backtracks and then catches up with itself again, however at the point to which the narrative jumps back Dresden is still already investigating the strange increase in ghost activity. As a consequence, the pacing feels much faster than in the earlier novels.This book also gets points for illustrating well the balanced perspective on religion in the Dresden Files universe. Harry doesn't understand God, and feels a bit nervous about the Catholic church due to its history of burning wizards. However, not only do good Christian characters appear, but one of them, Michael, is a sort of paladin Knight with God at his back. More than any other fantasy novel that I have encountered, Dresden's universe seems to play by the rules of the real world when it comes to having good and bad in any religion, and on top of that the Powers-that-be behind each religion or belief system appear to be equally existant and capable of supplying magic.
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LibraryThing member hjjugovic
I think I'm about done with Harry. Maybe not forever, but for a good long while. I've been trying to get into this series. The books are fairly entertaining and they remind me of similar works I enjoy. But I just can't take Harry himself anymore. He tries to make his chauvanism more appealing by
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calling himself on it and then casting it in the light of chivalry, but frankly the way he gets turned on by helpless women is creeping me out. I'm also getting bored with Harry ALWAYS being at the last thread of his strength. I'd like to see him kick butt every now and then without nearly killing himself to do it - just for a change of pace. I think this is a series that will appeal more to men. But the books so far make me think the author is a basement-dwelling creep. Show Less
LibraryThing member MrsLee
A Nightmare has come to town and is tormenting people who are close to Harry. This baddie isn't going to stop there, either.
I am, of course, enamored of Michael Carpenter, the "Fist of God." It is so rare that an author takes the time to portray the power and strength of a good man of faith. Harry
I am, of course, enamored of Michael Carpenter, the "Fist of God." It is so rare that an author takes the time to portray the power and strength of a good man of faith. Harry
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perchance is growing and changing a bit too. Although still over-confident to the point of endangering himself and others, it seems that perhaps he will get over the idea that he must do all things alone. There were nice subtle bits of humor in this story, still a lot of action, a bit too much intimacy for my comfort level, but all in all, a moral fantastical tale. Show Less
LibraryThing member PhoenixTerran
Grave Peril is the third book in the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. I first began reading the series because they came so highly, and frequently, recommended. Even though they seem a little overrated so far (granted I find that most things are, and I've only read the first few books), I have enjoyed
Life's been pretty good lately for Chicago's only wizard-for-hire, Harry Dresden: work is steady, he's got a great girlfriend, and no one has blatantly tried to kill him for at least a couple months. Granted, he's had to deal with a surprising number of ghosts recently, quite a few requiring backup from the resident Knight of the Cross, Michael Carpenter. And then there's the fact that the barrier between this world and the Nevernever seems to be disintegrating, which is a big problem--and not just because it makes it easier for Harry's godmother to track him down. Complicating matters even further, Bianca--the local head vampire--is getting a promotion and the city will be crawling with out-of-town vampires arriving for the celebration which he is required to attend as the representative for the White Council. Unfortunately for Harry, none of them are very fond of him at all, and Bianca arbors a particularly nasty grudge. Just how nasty will soon become apparent.
I was a little hesitant to read Grave Peril since Harry had irritated me so much in Fool Moon. Fortunately that was not the case in this book. While Harry still has the same personality quirks that had annoyed me so greatly (particularly blaming himself for everything), they are significantly toned down, making his characterization much more balanced--slightly more endearing, and much, much less frustrating. (It also helped that he didn't keep getting arrested every two pages.) I found a few things really stood out for me in Grave Peril. First was the introduction of Michael and of Thomas Raith--a vampire from the White Court. (Please, oh please let them be recurring characters!) I also particularly appreciated the further exploration of faith magic (in this case, Christian) and the continued examination of Butcher's version (actually versions) of vampires.
I enjoyed the first two books in the Dresden Files, but I really enjoyed the third. I think Butcher has begun to hit his stride with Grave Peril. The writing has improved and isn't nearly as awkward as it occasionally has been, and the pacing was spot on. However, having read the previous books, the third seemed at times repetitive, especially in the beginning chapters. Someone starting the series here of course wouldn't notice, but some of the descriptions and explanations sound awfully familiar. But, this does mean that the book can stand very well on its own in addition to being part of a series. Overall, Grave Peril has renewed my interest in the Dresden Files and I look forward to continued improvements and storytelling in Summer Knight.
Experiments in Reading
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them immensely. But if the books continue to improve in quality like they have been, I might have to change my opinion. Though far from perfect, Grave Peril is definitely the best book in the series up to this point.Life's been pretty good lately for Chicago's only wizard-for-hire, Harry Dresden: work is steady, he's got a great girlfriend, and no one has blatantly tried to kill him for at least a couple months. Granted, he's had to deal with a surprising number of ghosts recently, quite a few requiring backup from the resident Knight of the Cross, Michael Carpenter. And then there's the fact that the barrier between this world and the Nevernever seems to be disintegrating, which is a big problem--and not just because it makes it easier for Harry's godmother to track him down. Complicating matters even further, Bianca--the local head vampire--is getting a promotion and the city will be crawling with out-of-town vampires arriving for the celebration which he is required to attend as the representative for the White Council. Unfortunately for Harry, none of them are very fond of him at all, and Bianca arbors a particularly nasty grudge. Just how nasty will soon become apparent.
I was a little hesitant to read Grave Peril since Harry had irritated me so much in Fool Moon. Fortunately that was not the case in this book. While Harry still has the same personality quirks that had annoyed me so greatly (particularly blaming himself for everything), they are significantly toned down, making his characterization much more balanced--slightly more endearing, and much, much less frustrating. (It also helped that he didn't keep getting arrested every two pages.) I found a few things really stood out for me in Grave Peril. First was the introduction of Michael and of Thomas Raith--a vampire from the White Court. (Please, oh please let them be recurring characters!) I also particularly appreciated the further exploration of faith magic (in this case, Christian) and the continued examination of Butcher's version (actually versions) of vampires.
I enjoyed the first two books in the Dresden Files, but I really enjoyed the third. I think Butcher has begun to hit his stride with Grave Peril. The writing has improved and isn't nearly as awkward as it occasionally has been, and the pacing was spot on. However, having read the previous books, the third seemed at times repetitive, especially in the beginning chapters. Someone starting the series here of course wouldn't notice, but some of the descriptions and explanations sound awfully familiar. But, this does mean that the book can stand very well on its own in addition to being part of a series. Overall, Grave Peril has renewed my interest in the Dresden Files and I look forward to continued improvements and storytelling in Summer Knight.
Experiments in Reading
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LibraryThing member theforestofbooks
This is book three in the Dresden Files about Harry Dresden, a working wizard in downtown Chicago. I’ve read and enjoyed the first two books in the series but felt this one was missing something. Although readable, i didnt find it as compulsive as the first two. The storyline though well written,
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did at times suffer from too many endless confrontations, Dresden lurching from one tight spot to the next. By the time I got to the big finale, I just wanted the book to finish. I was as tired as Dresden. Good without being brilliant. Show Less
LibraryThing member jmchshannon
Poor Harry Dresden. The man just cannot catch a break. Every time he defeats a big bad, another one rears its ugly head, causing more mayhem and danger. In Grave Peril, Harry has the benefit of the support and back-up of his friend, Michael. A certified Knight of God, Michael brings the power of
Much of Grave Peril is spent in the Never-Never, introducing the reader to Harry's fairy godmother, who has insidious plans for Harry of which the reader only catches hints. The reader also gets additional hints that Harry's memories of his mother and father may be faulty, or at least his understanding of their natures may be skewed. There is much more to Harry's past than even Harry realizes, and these tantalizing glimpses at his mysterious family add a layer of continuity and intrigue to the overarching plot. With a total of fourteen novels in the series, and more to follow, one can only imagine that the truth will be revealed in dribs and drabs. However, enough is revealed in each, so far, that the reader is satisfied with the small bit of knowledge learned and eagerly anticipates learning more.
At the beginning of this audiobook, Jim Butcher introduces this third novel in his Dresden series and mentions that the series owes its popularity to James Marsters' narration. I agree wholeheartedly. Marsters epitomizes Dresden: his chivalry, his inability to run away from danger, and his snarkiness. In Marsters, Dresden comes alive. Marsters' Dresden is more than the only actively practicing wizard in the Chicagoland area but rather an everyman, one with special powers but still fallible to a pretty face, poverty, and danger. The reader cares because Dresden, through Marsters, is so earnest in his need to help the less fortunate. It really adds an entirely new dimension to a fabulous storyline.
Grave Peril is not perfect. There is much that is left unanswered, and the mysterious Big Bad Wizard, with powers Harry has never before seen and who is behind a majority of the evil doings, appears and then disappears without any true confrontation. One can only assume it is because Harry will face this threat again, but there is no clear resolution between the two foes. The tidy endings that marked the first two novels is missing with this third novel. A decidedly Pyrrhic victory for Harry leaves a bit of a bad taste in the mouth of the reader, if only because it is a departure from what the reader has come to expect.
In spite of the flaws in Grave Peril, it is so easy to gush about this series because James Marsters is truly a fabulous narrator. Of even more importance, however, is the fact that the stories are extremely entertaining. Harry is flawed, but the reader can overlook those flaws because Harry means well. His unique perspective on power, and in the case of Grave Peril, the power of faith, are comforting to readers, as it takes the mystical, fantastic elements of magic and makes them seem real and attainable. In spite of all the bad that Harry faces, he remains confident that good will always win. As a metaphor for our own society and its evils, Harry provides hope. It is an endearing message wrapped in an exciting package.
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faith to the battles against the forces of evil, with much success. This added element humanizes Harry by showcasing the fact that in spite of all his powers, there are powers that can supersede his own and for which he needs help if he hopes to win his battles against evil.Much of Grave Peril is spent in the Never-Never, introducing the reader to Harry's fairy godmother, who has insidious plans for Harry of which the reader only catches hints. The reader also gets additional hints that Harry's memories of his mother and father may be faulty, or at least his understanding of their natures may be skewed. There is much more to Harry's past than even Harry realizes, and these tantalizing glimpses at his mysterious family add a layer of continuity and intrigue to the overarching plot. With a total of fourteen novels in the series, and more to follow, one can only imagine that the truth will be revealed in dribs and drabs. However, enough is revealed in each, so far, that the reader is satisfied with the small bit of knowledge learned and eagerly anticipates learning more.
At the beginning of this audiobook, Jim Butcher introduces this third novel in his Dresden series and mentions that the series owes its popularity to James Marsters' narration. I agree wholeheartedly. Marsters epitomizes Dresden: his chivalry, his inability to run away from danger, and his snarkiness. In Marsters, Dresden comes alive. Marsters' Dresden is more than the only actively practicing wizard in the Chicagoland area but rather an everyman, one with special powers but still fallible to a pretty face, poverty, and danger. The reader cares because Dresden, through Marsters, is so earnest in his need to help the less fortunate. It really adds an entirely new dimension to a fabulous storyline.
Grave Peril is not perfect. There is much that is left unanswered, and the mysterious Big Bad Wizard, with powers Harry has never before seen and who is behind a majority of the evil doings, appears and then disappears without any true confrontation. One can only assume it is because Harry will face this threat again, but there is no clear resolution between the two foes. The tidy endings that marked the first two novels is missing with this third novel. A decidedly Pyrrhic victory for Harry leaves a bit of a bad taste in the mouth of the reader, if only because it is a departure from what the reader has come to expect.
In spite of the flaws in Grave Peril, it is so easy to gush about this series because James Marsters is truly a fabulous narrator. Of even more importance, however, is the fact that the stories are extremely entertaining. Harry is flawed, but the reader can overlook those flaws because Harry means well. His unique perspective on power, and in the case of Grave Peril, the power of faith, are comforting to readers, as it takes the mystical, fantastic elements of magic and makes them seem real and attainable. In spite of all the bad that Harry faces, he remains confident that good will always win. As a metaphor for our own society and its evils, Harry provides hope. It is an endearing message wrapped in an exciting package.
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LibraryThing member jmoncton
I have been lukewarm on the Dresden novels, enjoying them, but not completely engaged. But as I read this one, I definitely fell into the series. Harry Dresden's world is gritty and filled with demons, vampires, and other riff raff. But it also has Harry's friends and as the books evolve, so does
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the friendships and attachments. I also love a good vs. evil story and this is one of them. Eager to see where the rest of the series goes! Show Less
LibraryThing member Jenson_AKA_DL
Book three of the Dresden files finds Harry with a new/old partner, new to us but one that has apparently been with him for a while. Michael in a very interesting character in that although he is on a mission from God, he still tolerates Harry's un-church sanctioned wizardry to pursue the better
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good. We also got to meet Harry's Godmother, who was rather surprising. Murphy didn't have as much page time in this one, which I kind of missed. In this story Harry goes up against a nasty demon and a number of really nasty vampires (and even meets one not so nasty one) The only down side to this fast moving mystery/adventure is that I do get a little tired of reading about Harry getting the stuffing beat out of him every couple pages. However, this isn't enough for me to miss out on reading the next story. I'm looking forward to it. Show Less
LibraryThing member msf59
“I'm rolling thunder, pouring rain, I'm coming on like a hurricane…”
AC/DC- Hell’s Bells
Grab your staff and sword! Our favorite Chicago wizard/private detective returns for his 3rd outing. Here, he is assisted by his faithful friend Michael, a Knight of the Cross and they battle various
“Hell’s Bells” is Harry’s favorite utterance.
AC/DC- Hell’s Bells
Grab your staff and sword! Our favorite Chicago wizard/private detective returns for his 3rd outing. Here, he is assisted by his faithful friend Michael, a Knight of the Cross and they battle various
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demons and vampires. Plenty of thrills and action, (maybe to much for me), but if this is your cup of tea, it will go down perfectly. Butcher’s writing has really improved here and that is an added bonus. “Hell’s Bells” is Harry’s favorite utterance.
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LibraryThing member reading_fox
A bit of an abrupt introudction to a new character - the Fist of God Michael, armed with a holy sword. Ghosts have been disturbed and are plaguing Chicargo. Harry has it all under control though, until his faery godmother tricks Michael's sword out from him, and then the ghosts manage to invade his
Better writte than theprevious offerings, the story is still overtly convoluted, but the characters are coming to life and we learn more about Harry's checkered past.
After re-read.
Distinct improvement in the absense on cliff hangers mid way through, and a better tension all the way through. The moral ambiguity of Harry's actions starts to filter through here.
I still couldn't remember the twist at the end which is good. Some of the character assumptions at the beginning are a bit of a jump from the last book. It's still a light and fast read, but enjoyable too.
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dreams and steal most of his magic. Things go from bad to worse when the vampire court convines and Harry is tricked once again. However eventually he manages to pull off a very impressive trick to save the day. Not without costs though.Better writte than theprevious offerings, the story is still overtly convoluted, but the characters are coming to life and we learn more about Harry's checkered past.
After re-read.
Distinct improvement in the absense on cliff hangers mid way through, and a better tension all the way through. The moral ambiguity of Harry's actions starts to filter through here.
I still couldn't remember the twist at the end which is good. Some of the character assumptions at the beginning are a bit of a jump from the last book. It's still a light and fast read, but enjoyable too.
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LibraryThing member madam_razz
This one was absolutely a wild ride. The tension was up right from the start and so was the action and it never let go. We also got to see a few new characters that I found very interesting and I hope we see more of. The mystery of what was happening and why was thrilling from start to finish and
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there were definitely more than a few twists that I didn't see coming in the plot. I'm not sure you could call that ending happy, but it was hopeful and absolutely fitting and it definitely sets up the next big problem pretty well. I can't wait to start reading the next book in the series. The only problem I had with it was that this is just the third book in the series and already the second book so far where Harry has been at least partially, if not fully, de-powered for a portion of the book and I'm already starting to get bored with that. Show Less
LibraryThing member Brandon.Sharp
I really would prefer to give this book a 3.5 Star Rating, but since that isn't an option, I felt it more appropriate to round down. When I think about what I have to say about this book or about the series in general, at least so far, negative thoughts seem to float to the top.. Which seems odd,
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as I do enjoy the Dresden Files & plan to read all the books in the series. I always either love or hate a series by book 3 as a rule of thumb, but I didn't fall into the former or latter after finishing Grave Peril. Jim Butcher does what he's been doing in the previous books to Harry in this one too by constantly destroying Harry on every page. If he's not getting arrested by his co-worker/friend/secret crush Karrin Murphy for completely illogical reasons (Murphy jumps to conclusions so fast you will do a double take to make sure you didn't miss a chapter that contains some sort of reasoning for her actions), he's beating himself up, after being beat the f**k up, for having saved lots of people, doing the right thing but focusing on the fangbangrs who got killed in the crossfire. Point being, Harry doesn't ever use his powers when he could. Harry doesn't focus on the fact that he just beat his enemy and Harry doesn't learn from some pretty huge mistakes. It looses its magic, no pun intended, when the hero doesn't ever pull off anything badass and is always winning by his last breath. With that said, the ending to this book, actually shows me that Dresden might be on the up and up in terms of character growth. We see him use his powers to the fullest and do what he should have done in the first place, which makes me more optimistic towards the future of the series. We also see in the last pages, that the series is going to go from detective case madness, to an overwhelming story arch that will probably last a few books. I am starting Summer Knight tomorrow and am eager to see what comes of Dresden and his misfits of mayhem! Show Less
LibraryThing member Darla
Something has stirred up the ghosts in Chicago, weakened the barrier between the Nevernever and the real world, and it's up to practicing wizard Harry Dresden (he's in the book) to stop it.
He gets help from his pal Lieutenant Murphy of Special Investigations, and Bob the skull. Grave Peril also
And since this is the audiobook, that means it's read by James Marsters, whose voice and acting talents are a perfect match for Jim Butcher's words. Even after the (regrettably short-lived) television series, I'm much more likely to hear Marsters's voice for the characters when I'm reading than I am the actors from the show, particularly for Bob the skull.
At the beginning of the audiobook, there's a short welcome from Jim Butcher, in which he calls Grave Peril a milestone in the series. I'm not exactly sure what he means, but maybe it's the layers. There's not just one straightforward plot in Grave Peril--the Ghostbusters one--there's also a vampire ball, which Harry's obliged to attend as a representative of the White Council of wizards, and which his girlfriend Susan, reporter for the Arcane, is determined to attend, regardless of the dangers. Harry's fairy godmother (literally, as it happens) shows up. Michael's wife Charity gives birth to a baby whose survival chances are slim. And there's a lot of emotional impact between Harry and Susan, and Harry and Michael, and Michael and Charity.
It's a very complete and satisfying story, and illustrates perfectly why I love Jim's work so much--humor that makes me laugh aloud, exciting and clearly-written action (I can't rave about that too much--most action scenes are just confusing blurs to me--it's the lack of a Y chromosome, no doubt), edge-of-my-seat suspense that keeps me turning pages way past my bedtime, an emotional kick that puts tears in my eyes or a lump in my throat, and a wonderful little intellectual buzz that comes from knowing that the clues are all there to figure out what's going on behind the scenes. Oh, and the thoroughly realistic fantasy world.
He gets help from his pal Lieutenant Murphy of Special Investigations, and Bob the skull. Grave Peril also
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marks the introduction of two major characters: Michael Carpenter, a Knight of the Cross, and Thomas Raith, scion of the vampire white court.And since this is the audiobook, that means it's read by James Marsters, whose voice and acting talents are a perfect match for Jim Butcher's words. Even after the (regrettably short-lived) television series, I'm much more likely to hear Marsters's voice for the characters when I'm reading than I am the actors from the show, particularly for Bob the skull.
At the beginning of the audiobook, there's a short welcome from Jim Butcher, in which he calls Grave Peril a milestone in the series. I'm not exactly sure what he means, but maybe it's the layers. There's not just one straightforward plot in Grave Peril--the Ghostbusters one--there's also a vampire ball, which Harry's obliged to attend as a representative of the White Council of wizards, and which his girlfriend Susan, reporter for the Arcane, is determined to attend, regardless of the dangers. Harry's fairy godmother (literally, as it happens) shows up. Michael's wife Charity gives birth to a baby whose survival chances are slim. And there's a lot of emotional impact between Harry and Susan, and Harry and Michael, and Michael and Charity.
It's a very complete and satisfying story, and illustrates perfectly why I love Jim's work so much--humor that makes me laugh aloud, exciting and clearly-written action (I can't rave about that too much--most action scenes are just confusing blurs to me--it's the lack of a Y chromosome, no doubt), edge-of-my-seat suspense that keeps me turning pages way past my bedtime, an emotional kick that puts tears in my eyes or a lump in my throat, and a wonderful little intellectual buzz that comes from knowing that the clues are all there to figure out what's going on behind the scenes. Oh, and the thoroughly realistic fantasy world.
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LibraryThing member raselyem7
Well. It is Urban Fantasy minus the female empowerment. I don't know how to be gentle about this, but my interest really does lie in the gender lines, and I'm disappointed so far.
The protagonists are disproportionately male, which is to say, all of them are male. There is one male antagonist, and
The portrayal effectively breaks down to men being the heroes, powerful women being evil, and non powerful women being victims. Not coincidentally, I posit, the "uppity" women in this book very classically "get what is coming to them." I put those in quotes because it follows the traditional gender portrayals of women stepping into the masculine sphere.
Susan, a edgy reporter, traditionally a male occupation, gets infected with vampirism because she had the temerity to show up at the vamp party without following the proper rules and thus without the protection those rules would have provided. But the "uppity" woman stepping "out of her place" is punished by the narrative of the story. Harry's over developed White Horse complex* leaves him in an extremely depressive state of guilt over this result.
Karin Murphy, chief of the paranormal branch of Chicago's police force, spends the entire book in a coma after being victimized by the antagonist. Harry feels guilt over this too. But once again, a female character in a powerful position is taken out of the action, punished by the story line rather than developed.
Michael's wife is kidnapped by the antagonist to get to Michael and Harry, once again, she is a chip on the playing board.
The only redeemable quality that the punishment/reward system of this novel has is the nurturing portrayal of the male protagonists. Michael is a "family man," though it could be argued that his actions not having anything to do with his family negate that statement. The opening scene has the protagonists fighting a ghost to save a nursery full of new borns in a hospital maternity ward. Portraying the men as interested in children, and specifically defending and helping children is new, and so far is the only gender theme consistent with female authored urban fantasy.
I fully admit that my thoughts on this are nascent, it is inconsistent that I champion female protagonists expression of their sexuality and do not appreciate the objectifying nature of this male protagonists sexuality. I will have to look closer to see if there is a difference in how the power dynamics of desire and sexuality are portrayed.
This urban fantasy analysis may turn out to be a study of the differences between male and female authored sexuality and erotica.....
I can do some masculinities work on it in terms of what this posits as a manly man model.....
which might have some redeemable value in the theme of nurture (saving babies), and possibly in that he doesn't manage to save the girl all the way, she still gets infected with vampirism, so he has to live with having, in his view, failed.
I was more or less operating under the impression that Urban Fantasy primarily dealt with an exploration of female gender roles in our new and fluid social environment, but more broadly, the genre explores gender roles as a whole in the new and fluid post second wave feminism culture.
So, the exercise of imagination and play is how children learn about their world and conceive of themselves. Fiction serves that same purpose on an adult cultural level. We get to investigate different characters and learn about ourselves and who we are and who we want to be in the process. That's how fantasy works, is on a symbolic system. I am interested in the consistencies of that system, how particular motifs function and why they function on a mass level.
The protagonists are disproportionately male, which is to say, all of them are male. There is one male antagonist, and
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the rest are overwhelmingly female. The non-antagonist female characters are chips in the power game, objects to be defended and the tally marks by which the fight is won and lost. The portrayal effectively breaks down to men being the heroes, powerful women being evil, and non powerful women being victims. Not coincidentally, I posit, the "uppity" women in this book very classically "get what is coming to them." I put those in quotes because it follows the traditional gender portrayals of women stepping into the masculine sphere.
Susan, a edgy reporter, traditionally a male occupation, gets infected with vampirism because she had the temerity to show up at the vamp party without following the proper rules and thus without the protection those rules would have provided. But the "uppity" woman stepping "out of her place" is punished by the narrative of the story. Harry's over developed White Horse complex* leaves him in an extremely depressive state of guilt over this result.
Karin Murphy, chief of the paranormal branch of Chicago's police force, spends the entire book in a coma after being victimized by the antagonist. Harry feels guilt over this too. But once again, a female character in a powerful position is taken out of the action, punished by the story line rather than developed.
Michael's wife is kidnapped by the antagonist to get to Michael and Harry, once again, she is a chip on the playing board.
The only redeemable quality that the punishment/reward system of this novel has is the nurturing portrayal of the male protagonists. Michael is a "family man," though it could be argued that his actions not having anything to do with his family negate that statement. The opening scene has the protagonists fighting a ghost to save a nursery full of new borns in a hospital maternity ward. Portraying the men as interested in children, and specifically defending and helping children is new, and so far is the only gender theme consistent with female authored urban fantasy.
I fully admit that my thoughts on this are nascent, it is inconsistent that I champion female protagonists expression of their sexuality and do not appreciate the objectifying nature of this male protagonists sexuality. I will have to look closer to see if there is a difference in how the power dynamics of desire and sexuality are portrayed.
This urban fantasy analysis may turn out to be a study of the differences between male and female authored sexuality and erotica.....
I can do some masculinities work on it in terms of what this posits as a manly man model.....
which might have some redeemable value in the theme of nurture (saving babies), and possibly in that he doesn't manage to save the girl all the way, she still gets infected with vampirism, so he has to live with having, in his view, failed.
I was more or less operating under the impression that Urban Fantasy primarily dealt with an exploration of female gender roles in our new and fluid social environment, but more broadly, the genre explores gender roles as a whole in the new and fluid post second wave feminism culture.
So, the exercise of imagination and play is how children learn about their world and conceive of themselves. Fiction serves that same purpose on an adult cultural level. We get to investigate different characters and learn about ourselves and who we are and who we want to be in the process. That's how fantasy works, is on a symbolic system. I am interested in the consistencies of that system, how particular motifs function and why they function on a mass level.
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LibraryThing member Aeyan
Fleshless fiends run afoul of Harry, and we are introduced to an intriguing cohort in Michael Carpenter, a paladin of the highest sort who happens to have a pretty darn spiffy sword complete with italicized name and mayhap an original nail from the Crucifixion (the BIG one), glowing all purty with
What delights me thus far about Mr. Butcher is his inventive machinations providing all manner of terribly awful things with which to assail Mr. Dresden, none of which come off as overly familiar or beat-into-the-ground as many of this burgeoning genre have already succumbed
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Mr. Carpenter's divine faith and cutting a swath through the baddies. What delights me thus far about Mr. Butcher is his inventive machinations providing all manner of terribly awful things with which to assail Mr. Dresden, none of which come off as overly familiar or beat-into-the-ground as many of this burgeoning genre have already succumbed
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LibraryThing member zette
What is causing the sudden outbreak in dangerous ghosts in Chicago? This isn't the normal sightings -- the ghosts are dangerous and powerful in ways they shouldn't be. And now it looks as though this may be personal as well.
While working with Michael, a man very close to God, Dresden is doing his
And he can't tell Susan that he loves her. Just can't say the words, even though Michael is urging him to make that much of a commitment, if not more. But some things should never be put off.
Grave Peril is an excellent book. The characters are great. I don't always like Michael and his wife, Charity, but that's because they are very much like real people.
Oh, and let's not forget Thomas. Oh, what a fun character he is, right from the start.
Butcher has a gift for story, character, dialogue and wit. You don't get that kind of combination very often, and not in a prolific writer. It's a joy to read his work.
While working with Michael, a man very close to God, Dresden is doing his
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best to get things back where they belong. But there are other problems as well. The Red Court of the Vampires is making moves that look more than a little sinister. A young girl suffering from Cassandra's Tears -- a form of prophecy -- has come to him for help and then disappeared. And he can't tell Susan that he loves her. Just can't say the words, even though Michael is urging him to make that much of a commitment, if not more. But some things should never be put off.
Grave Peril is an excellent book. The characters are great. I don't always like Michael and his wife, Charity, but that's because they are very much like real people.
Oh, and let's not forget Thomas. Oh, what a fun character he is, right from the start.
Butcher has a gift for story, character, dialogue and wit. You don't get that kind of combination very often, and not in a prolific writer. It's a joy to read his work.
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LibraryThing member nicolewbrown
Things are really hopping lately with Harry Dresden who has help from his friend Michael Carpenter, "The Fist of God" who holds one of the swords that contains one of the nails of the Crucifix in it. When they go to the hospital to take care of a ghost, Agatha, who had been an abused wife and
Unfortunately, they run into Harry's godmother, a faerie named Lea with whom he made a bargain with when he was very young and didn't know what he was doing. So whenever he comes to the Nevernever she tries to chase him down and get him to come with her and fulfill his bargain with her to be her slave. He finds ways out of this and she can't bother him in the mortal world. They are able to take care of Agatha and escape his godmother's clutches and get back to the mortal world where they have to explain what they're doing in a nursery.
Next thing Harry knows he's being called into Murphy's old partner's house, Michael Malone. Malone retired after what happened in the last book with the loup-garous. He was injured pretty badly and couldn't come back to work. Well, when Harry gets there he needs Mrs. Malone to ask him in if he is to work any of his magic since Malone's place is a home and holds strong magical properties. What he finds is a maniacal Malone handcuffed to the bed, but when he looks with his wizard's eye he sees a man who has a metal wire attached to him and someone has eaten away at his soul and a man who is in a great deal of pain. He reaches down and pulls the wire loose and then throws it out the window and sets it on fire. Malone will be fine for now unless the person or thing that did that to him in the first place comes back.
He comes to the realization after it attacks him and takes a bite out if his magic self, while he was dreaming that that was how it was getting into people, was through their dreams. Now, he's weak, but he must get to Lieutenant Murphy and Michael both of who worked the case of Kravos several months ago, about a sorcerer who had a demon familiar and used it to abuse kids and women. They caught him and killed the demon which means that the ghost of the demon is out doing all of this mischief. But who is pulling the strings? And who is causing the turbulence in the Nevernever that is making it easier for beings to cross over? He is too late to get Murphy, the demon has taken his form and is using his magic against him. He is able to put Murphy in a deep enough sleep that she will not be able to dream and therefore cannot experience the nightmares the demon has set up for her.
On top of all this, he still can't tell his girlfriend Susan that he loves her. When she finds his invitation to the Vampire Cornonation for Bianca she desperately wants to go so she can interview some vampires for her paper, but he refuses as it is dangerous and not worth going. Bianca and Harry have a contentious history, but as he is the only representative of the White Council in the area she has to invite him. But he doesn't have to go. He can be rude and not go and the White Council will probably not do much to him about it. Michael and Harry will find themselves at this ball looking for the killer since more than vampires will be there representatives of all groups will be there.
This book is a massive page-turner. I was up late into the night more than once reading just one more page to find out what happens next. I have to admit I felt stupid for not figuring it out sooner. I hated that Murphy wasn't really in this book. But it was interesting to have Michael around and his pregnant wife Charity who doesn't like Harry. Michael loses his sword and goes through a crisis of faith where he comes to believe that perhaps the sword was no longer meant to be in his possession. And Harry needs Michael to be filled with faith, which is his strength, and at his back, because he has so few people he can trust to be there. Murphy's the only other one. Harry has to deal with losing part of his powers and not knowing what to do with Susan. I really loved this book, but then I really love this series. This time he's dealing mostly with ghosts but also with some vampires. In the last book, it was werewolves or loup-garous. It's always something different. This is a fantastic book and I give it five out of five stars.
Quotes
The married thing. Sometimes I look at it and feel like someone from a Dickens novel, staring at Christmas dinner. Relationships hadn’t ever worked for me. I think it had something to do with all the demons, ghosts, and human sacrifice.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 60)
I took a seat on the worn wooden stool and drew my warm robe a little closer about me. Trust me, wizards don’t wear robes for dramatic effect. They just can’t get warm enough in their labs. I knew some guys in Europe who still operated out of stone towers. I shudder to think.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 133)
Okay. We have left Reason and Sanity Junction. Next stop, Looneyville.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 174)
Five white candles surrounded my summoning circle, the points of an invisible pentacle. White for protection. And because they’re the cheapest color at Wal-Mart. Hey, being a wizard doesn’t make money grow on trees.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 231)
Revenge is like sex, Mister Dresden. It’s best when it comes on slow, quiet, until it all seems inexorable.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 312)
It only takes a couple of these rough little episodes of life to teach a man a certain amount of cynicism. Once a rogue wizard or three has tried to end your life, or some beserk hexenwolves have worked really hard to have your throat torn out, you start to expect the worst. In fact, if the worst doesn’t happen, you find yourself somewhat disappointed. So really, it was just as well that Godmother had caught up to me, in spite of my best efforts to avoid her. I’d hate to find out that the universe really wasn’t conspiring against me. It would jerk the rug out from under my persecution complex.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 365)
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accidentally killed her daughter in trying to keep her quiet when her husband came home. She then took an ax and went after her husband and killed both of them. Right now she is singing a sweet song that is putting the babies and the nurses in the nursery to death. When they attack her she runs to the Nevernever or the spirit world, so they are forced to follow her. When they do they find that she has a magical wire attached to her which is agitating her which means that someone put it there to get her worked up and cross the line and harm humans.Unfortunately, they run into Harry's godmother, a faerie named Lea with whom he made a bargain with when he was very young and didn't know what he was doing. So whenever he comes to the Nevernever she tries to chase him down and get him to come with her and fulfill his bargain with her to be her slave. He finds ways out of this and she can't bother him in the mortal world. They are able to take care of Agatha and escape his godmother's clutches and get back to the mortal world where they have to explain what they're doing in a nursery.
Next thing Harry knows he's being called into Murphy's old partner's house, Michael Malone. Malone retired after what happened in the last book with the loup-garous. He was injured pretty badly and couldn't come back to work. Well, when Harry gets there he needs Mrs. Malone to ask him in if he is to work any of his magic since Malone's place is a home and holds strong magical properties. What he finds is a maniacal Malone handcuffed to the bed, but when he looks with his wizard's eye he sees a man who has a metal wire attached to him and someone has eaten away at his soul and a man who is in a great deal of pain. He reaches down and pulls the wire loose and then throws it out the window and sets it on fire. Malone will be fine for now unless the person or thing that did that to him in the first place comes back.
He comes to the realization after it attacks him and takes a bite out if his magic self, while he was dreaming that that was how it was getting into people, was through their dreams. Now, he's weak, but he must get to Lieutenant Murphy and Michael both of who worked the case of Kravos several months ago, about a sorcerer who had a demon familiar and used it to abuse kids and women. They caught him and killed the demon which means that the ghost of the demon is out doing all of this mischief. But who is pulling the strings? And who is causing the turbulence in the Nevernever that is making it easier for beings to cross over? He is too late to get Murphy, the demon has taken his form and is using his magic against him. He is able to put Murphy in a deep enough sleep that she will not be able to dream and therefore cannot experience the nightmares the demon has set up for her.
On top of all this, he still can't tell his girlfriend Susan that he loves her. When she finds his invitation to the Vampire Cornonation for Bianca she desperately wants to go so she can interview some vampires for her paper, but he refuses as it is dangerous and not worth going. Bianca and Harry have a contentious history, but as he is the only representative of the White Council in the area she has to invite him. But he doesn't have to go. He can be rude and not go and the White Council will probably not do much to him about it. Michael and Harry will find themselves at this ball looking for the killer since more than vampires will be there representatives of all groups will be there.
This book is a massive page-turner. I was up late into the night more than once reading just one more page to find out what happens next. I have to admit I felt stupid for not figuring it out sooner. I hated that Murphy wasn't really in this book. But it was interesting to have Michael around and his pregnant wife Charity who doesn't like Harry. Michael loses his sword and goes through a crisis of faith where he comes to believe that perhaps the sword was no longer meant to be in his possession. And Harry needs Michael to be filled with faith, which is his strength, and at his back, because he has so few people he can trust to be there. Murphy's the only other one. Harry has to deal with losing part of his powers and not knowing what to do with Susan. I really loved this book, but then I really love this series. This time he's dealing mostly with ghosts but also with some vampires. In the last book, it was werewolves or loup-garous. It's always something different. This is a fantastic book and I give it five out of five stars.
Quotes
The married thing. Sometimes I look at it and feel like someone from a Dickens novel, staring at Christmas dinner. Relationships hadn’t ever worked for me. I think it had something to do with all the demons, ghosts, and human sacrifice.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 60)
I took a seat on the worn wooden stool and drew my warm robe a little closer about me. Trust me, wizards don’t wear robes for dramatic effect. They just can’t get warm enough in their labs. I knew some guys in Europe who still operated out of stone towers. I shudder to think.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 133)
Okay. We have left Reason and Sanity Junction. Next stop, Looneyville.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 174)
Five white candles surrounded my summoning circle, the points of an invisible pentacle. White for protection. And because they’re the cheapest color at Wal-Mart. Hey, being a wizard doesn’t make money grow on trees.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 231)
Revenge is like sex, Mister Dresden. It’s best when it comes on slow, quiet, until it all seems inexorable.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 312)
It only takes a couple of these rough little episodes of life to teach a man a certain amount of cynicism. Once a rogue wizard or three has tried to end your life, or some beserk hexenwolves have worked really hard to have your throat torn out, you start to expect the worst. In fact, if the worst doesn’t happen, you find yourself somewhat disappointed. So really, it was just as well that Godmother had caught up to me, in spite of my best efforts to avoid her. I’d hate to find out that the universe really wasn’t conspiring against me. It would jerk the rug out from under my persecution complex.
-Jim Butcher (Grave Peril p 365)
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LibraryThing member iftyzaidi
The Dresden series continues to improve with each installment as the canvas broadens, Harry Dresden is tested to the limit and friends and loved ones come in harms way. New allies are made and enmities strengthened. This is an enjoyable third entry in the Dresden Files and I'm looking forward to
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reading the next in the series. One minor note: I also noticed that the name of Bianca's ex-secretary changed mid-way through the book. Is it Paula or Rachel? The proof-readers seemed to have missed that one. Show Less
LibraryThing member gttygrl
I have problems with this book. They're tiny problems, because for the most part I enjoyed the roller coaster that is the typical Harry Dresden novel, but there were a couple of things that ripped me out of the story more than once.
First, the editor(s) suck. Or they're overworked and forced to
Second, that plot was about as convoluted as a ball of yarn after its been attacked by a kitten. However, since I read these books for the wild ride and not the plot, I'm just going to assume that Harry is either an idiot savant or is divinely inspired to figure these plots out. It's really just the first issue (get a better editor!) that infuriates me.
However, if you can get past these tiny little things, the book is awesome fun and will keep you up for many hours (I finished it at 1am last night).
First, the editor(s) suck. Or they're overworked and forced to
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suck, but either way, they need new/more editors, preferably editors who know how to use SPELLCHECK. Newsflash: "dias" is a Portuguese explorer, "dais" is a raised platform. Using "dias" approximately 20 times within two chapters when it's actually referring to a dais? Annoying to the nth degree! And guess what? Changing the name of a character mid-story? Confusing *and* annoying! (Paula was Bianca's secretary in "Storm Front", and is even referred as such on page 267. [[[SPOILERISH IN A VERY SMALL AMOUNT:: Suddenly referring to her ghost as Rachel? WTF? Sadly, my copy of "Storm Front" is with my sister, I can't check on the name--possibly Rachel was the name of the first victim in that book? Regardless, Bianca herself mentions Paula, so the ghost that appears can only be Paula herself.::END SLIGHTLY SPOILERISH COMMENT]])Second, that plot was about as convoluted as a ball of yarn after its been attacked by a kitten. However, since I read these books for the wild ride and not the plot, I'm just going to assume that Harry is either an idiot savant or is divinely inspired to figure these plots out. It's really just the first issue (get a better editor!) that infuriates me.
However, if you can get past these tiny little things, the book is awesome fun and will keep you up for many hours (I finished it at 1am last night).
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LibraryThing member Elphaba71
The Third in the Dresden Files. I really enjoyed this read, Harry & sword wielding very Christian friend Michael, take on Bianca & the Vampires. Along the way he faces ghosts, demons and faeries & his faerie Godmother Lea. Quite a page turner.
LibraryThing member luisuribe
another fun read for the cold winter nights or summer afternoons
LibraryThing member silversurfer
The Third book in the series and it just gets better. Full of action and emotion and of course, humor...and a cliff hanger of sorts, to keep the reader moving on to the next book.
LibraryThing member Phantasma
Not nearly as good as the first two, but still enjoyable. I look forward to reading more. I'm not sure why this one seemed so slow to me. It really didn't grab my interest until it was almost over.
LibraryThing member hoosgracie
Overall, a good mystery. Parts were quite spooky. Recommend.
Language
Original publication date
2001-09-01
Physical description
378 p.; 18 cm
ISBN
0451458443 / 9780451458445
Local notes
Dresden Files, 3
DDC/MDS
| Fic SF Butcher |