REVIEW: Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

Fool Moon by Jim Butcher
Publishing Information: 2001 (first publishing) 2001 (current edition)
Publisher: Roc Fantasy, Mass-Market Paperback, 405 pgs
ISBN-13: 978-0-451-45812-4
Series: The Dresden Files #2
Reviewer: Andy
Copy: Out of Pocket

Synopsis: (from back cover): Business has been slow. Okay, business has been dead. And not even of the undead variety. You would think Chicago would have a little more action for the only professional wizard in the phone book. But lately, Harry Dresden hasn't been able to dredge up any kind of work --magical or mundane.But just when it looks like he can't afford his next meal, a murder comes along that requires his particular brand of supernatural expertise. A brutally mutilated corpse. Strange-looking paw prints. A full moon. Take three guesses - and the first two don't count.

Merely from reading the title and the back cover, the concept of this second installment of the Dresden series should be obvious: it concerns werewolves. This is established so early in the book, that it can't possibly be construed as a spoiler. So, I'll just come out with it early. Harry Dresden has werewolves to contend with in this book.

Butcher gives an intriguing look at the werewolf lore in the Dresden universe - he gives a rundown of four different species of werewolves that Harry Dresden could be dealing with, explained from the mouth of Bob, the sex-crazed talking skull. Establishing these details make the plot somewhat more interesting than an ordinary werewolf story, as much of the mystery surrounds not only the identity of a werewolf, but exactly what sort of werewolf we are dealing with.

The plot addresses certain story-lines begun in the first book. Dresden continues his relationship with the paranormal reporter Susan Rodriguez, and must once again not only contend with Chicago's finest but keep the evil forces from the netherworld at bay as well. However, this series is still struggling to establish some unity between the first two books. There has yet to be anything that resembles an overarching story arc, although the existence prime antagonist has been hinted at. Not to mention, Harry's issues with the meddling Wizarding council seem to have been put on hold, a promising storyline that had begun in the first book.

After this book, I am still waiting for this series to really engage me. The mystery in this book was a bit more complex, containing more suspects and red herrings, and the werewolf lore was somewhat appealing, but there are still no series-wide plot elements that make me want to run out to read the next book. It was a pleasant enough light-read, but I'm still waiting for Butcher to really impress me and elevate this series to the next level.

Plot……….6.5/10

Characters………6/10

Style………..5.5/10

Overall……….6/10