The best way to describe Fool Moon is as a wild romp. It careens from one extreme situation to another, escalating tension with each wild turn. I read book two of The Dresden Files with my eyes rather than listening to the audiobook, significantly improving my experience. I still rolled my eyes in exasperation, but it occurred way less often, only at the most egregious lines.
Book Information
Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
Imprint: Ace
First Published: Dec 31 2000
Format: ebook
Source: Library
Genre: Fantasy
My opinion about the Dresden Files series is still up in the air. Jim Butcher did a great job of the paranormal aspects of Fool Moon, with unique and interesting variations that are given complete origin stories. The world-building is extensive without being burdensome, and it doesn’t have any large holes or do any wand waving to gloss over gaps. The investigation aspects are also fun, adding up to a good mystery romp. Harry Dresden rips through, leaving chaos and hazards in his wake.
I found it easier to overlook what irritated me while reading Fool Moon than the first book, Storm Front. Part of that is definitely going to be because I didn’t have the narrator annoying the crap out of me. Part of it was knowing what to expect from the book. That said, most of the women in Fool Moon were objects, described by their physical attributes. An attractive female shifter utilized her nakedness as a distraction so Harry could sneak in somewhere, and the sensuality was gross and icky rather than appealing. She has impressive athleticism, intelligence and a mysterious backstory that I hope we hear more about in future books, but of course, she’s reduced to a prop.
For a powerful wizard, Harry doesn’t get to rely on his magic very much. I’m still figuring out the magic structure and rules. Any use has quite a high cost, and Harry always chooses to use the most draining spells on a low-value task, leaving the tank empty when he really needs it. Harry’s always trying to keep his head above water, and the way he repeatedly barely succeeds is hilarious.
I felt pretty strongly (negatively) about Storm Front. I feel pretty meh about Fool Moon. The fun mystery and cool paranormal barely balanced out the creepy sexualization and bumbling lead character. I’ll keep at it. I hope that the writing will improve as the Dresden Files series continues.
