"Fans will love this fantasy series in a world of preternatural creatures and magic!"

On Harry Dresden's Earth, beings such as fairies, trolls, and vampires roam the planet. Wizards also exist, as Harry knows first hand, being such a creature. Harry has listed himself in the yellow pages as the only in the open practicing wizard in the country. Harry has even helped the Chicago police on a case or two though most officers reject the arcane.

Harry is not in good standing with the White Council that governs wizards because he once killed someone in self- defense yet survived. He is under the Doom of Damocles and if he breaks any more rules, he will be executed. This makes his present situation a bit touchy. He is working a case involving the use of deadly magic that requires Harry to reconstruct the original spell in order to identify the murderer. If his watchdog catches him, he will be obliterated. Feeling he has no choice, Harry soon finds himself on the abyss because of the dark magic he encounters.

Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton and Tanya Huff will love this new fantasy series set in a world where preternatural creatures live and magic is a form of science. Harry is a remarkable character that risks everything to travel down the path he feels is right, especially since a wrong turn is fatal. With more novels like this gem, Jim Butcher will not need magic to become a household name.

Harriet Klausner / May 2000
Copyright © 2000 for ParaNormal Romance Reviews

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted August 22, 2002

When the Chicago mobs start using lethal magic instead of bullets to fight for control of the streets, Harry Dresden sets out to find the killer. But can Harry track down and stop the diabolical figure known only as the Shadowman when he himself becomes suspected of the magical murders?

Summary

Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he's the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the "everyday" world is actually full of strange and magical things -- and most of them don't play well with humans. That's where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a -- well, whatever.

There's just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name. And that's when things start to get... interesting.

Magic. It can get a guy killed.