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Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1)
I've been enjoying SCI FI Channel's version of The Dresden Files, so I thought I'd check out the books. I expected a straight-forward adventure tale and some cool stuff about magic, which I got. The pleasant surprise came with the strong narrative voice and excellent character development.
If there's been one thing that's bothered me about the dramatic version (other than Bob), it's been those hard-boiled detective voice-overs that are supposed to make us think of Mickey Spillane, but instead sound like those tacked-on over-explanations from the theatrical release of Blade Runner and (even worse) Mohinder's mullings on Heroes.
Turns out, the show is trying to emulate the novels. Dresden's voice in print is a little film noir, but it's also wry and deft at providing detailed exposition. Here's a bit from the front page:
The new mailman, who looked like a basketball with arms and legs and a sunburned, bald head, was chuckling at the sign on the door glass. He glanced at me and hooked a thumb towards the sign. "You're kidding, right?"
I read the sign (people change it occasionally), and shook my head. "No, I'm serious. Can I have my mail, please."
Dresden himself is edgier in the novels, and not quite the Standard Leading Man, but otherwise they've gotten him down pretty well on the show. The major change in characters comes with the other characters, particularly Murphy (mothering and tough as nails) Bob (hilarious), Morgan (terrifying) and all those lovely villains.
The plot's great, too. Lots of twists and things that jump out and go "Boo!" If the quality stays this high, I think I'll be reading the whole series through.
