What's up with Harry "Sad Sack" Dresden?

[jcfiala]

So, I've never read any of the Dresden Files books. The TV show was on a year or so ago, but I'm not really a TV watcher, so I let it slip by. However, the author, Jim Butcher, is going to be one of the Guests of Honor at this year's Mile Hi Con, and so I figured I really should give it a try, as several people I like seem to think it's pretty good.

But what's the deal? I'm reading this first novel, and not to give away any spoilers, but everything that happens to poor Harry is the equivalent of him walking up to a someone, saying hello, and getting kneed in the balls in return. Goes to one job? Something bad happens. Goes to another job? Something bad happens. The only time anything good of any measure happens to this guy is when he manages to just barely stop someone from actually killing him. And then something *else* bad happens to make up for it.

I can't read this thing anymore. He's just rushed to the side of someone to save them from a supposed threat - which is real and greater than expected - and in return this person does something *else* bad to him while he's in the midst of saving them. If I hadn't been riding on the bus, I would have tossed it across the room. If the bus had been emptier, I might have still considered it.

Is it worth continuing? I mean, I guess he's not going to end up dead, as there's a pile of sequels to this book. But I kind of would like the guy to die so he doesn't have to put up with all this crap anymore. It'd be one thing, I guess, if the events were presented as being funny, if I felt that the guy maybe deserved some of the shit that's flying his way - but he doesn't. Not that he's got much more character than a doormat so far, but would it have killed Butcher to allow something nice to happen for a change? Just one?

So, instead, I'm reading Dirk Gently.

Comments

[merlinofchaos]

You absolutely must at least get to the book that introduces Michael. That, IMO, is a defining moment in the Dresden novels and if that isn't good for you then you can stop.

Storm Front was Jim's first book and it shows. And while part of Harry's schtick is that he gets beat on a lot, reading the books is watching Jim grow as an author.

Disclaimer: Jim is a longtime friend of mine and I am biased. Besides, the overt villain in blood rites is based in part on a a character I once played.)

(posted with my iPhone)

[wtimmins.livejournal.com]

I should probably read more of the books.

I only read Storm Front and, well. Wasn't compelled to read any more, though I don't think I remember anything about the story other than the main character being Harry Dresden.

[tuxedoian.livejournal.com]

Having read the whole series, I can only say this: Keep reading!

Yes, Harry gets shit on. A LOT. And yes, he does keep putting himself in front of the train, so to speak. But why does he do it?

Because he's, deep down, a good person. Someone who can't just close his eyes and walk away from the darkness in the world. And he does grow as a person, especially once book 3 hits. Harry had his problems as a youth. You'll learn more about them as you progress through the books. And things that he did in the past continue to echo in the present.

Also, his sarcasm starts going through the roof as you keep reading. I mean, come on, you think anyone could face down the horrors and dark wizards and everything that Harry's seen and NOT develop a biting wit?

[iamcompubear.livejournal.com]

I'm stuck on book 4 I lost it at the airport and was only 3/4 of the way through. I havn't been able to read any thing else. I have book 5.
Kyria loves and has read all the books. When she met him to get his autograph she was so aw struck she forgot her name.

Keep going they get better.

[sternbunny.livejournal.com]

Add me to the chorus of 'At least get to the third book'. RN was a long time fan and persuaded me to read one...which happened to be Summer Knight which is so totally not the first book of the series. (I also get impatient and read the end of books at times. BadBeth, I know.) I have now either read or listened to James Marsters read all of the books. (The audio book bloopers are cool. ^^ )

Think noir. Magic-user noir. Harry is our shamus who is always getting beat up and is a sucker for a dame in distress.

Beth

[firstfaerie.livejournal.com]

I tried. I did. I finished book four and haven't been compelled to continue - though for different reasons. It was less a matter of him not being able to catch a break, more a matter of his irresistibility to uber-sexy women (and my inevitable irritation with any book that features one too many uber-sexy woman - but I suspect this may be less of an issue for you ;). I was more interested in the secondary characters, truth be told... Something about Harry just doesn't work for me. He reminds me a bit of the protagonist in the Dan Brown novels (and please nobody hit me for not being a big fan of those, either! I come in peace!)