Storm Front by Jim Butcher

NOT RECOMMENDED

In a word: Meh

Plot:  Book #1 of the Dresden Files.  Harry Dresden is a working class wizard.  When he isn't attempting to attract clients, he's helping the police solve paranormal cases.  He also has to watch his step, since he's is being watched, very closely, by the White Council.  In the past, Harry had to kill another wizard (self-defense), and now if he makes one false move, the Council will have him executed.  Unfortunately for Harry, his life seems to be filled with false moves.  While investigating a missing husband for a client and a gruesome double homicide for the police, Harry finds that he has become a target for a powerful black wizard.  All this, and his rent is past due.

Thoughts:   I had a hell of a time getting through this book.  It isn't 'bad', per se.  It's actually well-written.  I just didn't care about any of the characters.  Harry has a certain charm, but everyone around him is such an asshole, that I didn't really want to read about his adventures.   The whole scenario seemed cliche.  The characters just seemed to be going through the motion, their actions not making much sense, at times.  Harry helps the police, but they refuse to trust him and eventually name him a suspect.  Harry, for some unclear reason, refuses to divulge important information.  The White Council can watch Harry's every move, but they believe he is the killer (and somehow, they don't sense a new, powerful black wizard).   Harry's love interest mistakes a love potion for an escape potion. Even Harry himself is a cliche, ruggedly handsome, wearing a long duster and making electronics go haywire (unless it's absolutely necessary that they work, then they do work).   It all just seemed so trite, that I kept putting the book down and not wanting to pick it back up

This is the first book in the popular Dresden Files series.  It drops you right into the action (you get very little backstory).  Maybe the books get better and the characters start to become more interesting.  I won't know, as I don't have any wish to continue the series. 

If you like this, try reading:  Street Magic by Michael Reeves; the Harry Potter series by JK Rowling