The Dresden files and The Codex Alera
Jim Butcher
Reviewed by Ian Jamieson
I first picked up on Jim Butcher through the TV series "The Dresden
Files".
Harry Dresden is a genuine wizard living in Chicago. He occasionally helps
out the police, specifically one Detective Karrin Murray when one of her
cases looks decidedly odd. Dresden advertises himself a Wizard, and Murphy,
while not believing it at all, simply finds him useful.
Having read the first two books in the series "Storm Front" and "Fool
Moon", I found that I enjoyed the TV series more. The books are well
written and enjoyable but Dresden is a bit of a wimp and keeps getting in
and out of trouble, usually by some last minute trick or sleight of hand.
"The Codex Alera" books, on the other hand are very different and are some
of the most enjoyable I have ever read. Having previously reviewed Books 2
and 3 (I couldn't wait for book 1) I have now finished 1 and 4 and found
them every bit as good.
Suffice it to say that the planet Almera is a strange and dangerous place,
and keeping the peace between its powerful and magical High Lords is slowly
destroying the First Lord, Gaius Sextus. Tave, ally to the First Lord, but
without any magic of his own, must battle to keep the peace.
Highly enjoyable.
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