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 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 ( )

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 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. ( )

Not my favorite of the series so far, but pretty good. It sort of jumped around a bit, and the "red herring" bad guy seemed a little forced. Am getting a little tired of his "tough guy with a soft spot for dames" attitude. Very cliche, and I'm confident the author could do better if he tried. It's just sort of lazy.

Still, a good beach read. ( )

I really do love this series but I didn't like the way this book was starting out. However, the last half of this book was so good that it really did make up for the first half. I cannot wait to read the rest of this series. ( )

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 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. ( )