Jim Butcher's the Dresden Files: Fool Moon Volume 2
by Jim Butcher
7.94 / 10 219K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2013
- Publisher
- Dynamite Entertainment
- Pages
- 120
- ISBN
- 9781606903773
For Chicago's only professional wizard, Harry Dresden, business has been dead. But when a series of grisly murders plague the city under the light of a full moon, he is the only one the police can turn to for answers. The crime scenes are savage, the victims torn apart, and the only clue is a set of inhuman paw prints. Dresden quickly realizes he's not hunting a lone killer but has stumbled into a hidden turf war between rival factions of werewolves, and not all of them are what they seem.
As the body count rises, Dresden finds himself a target for the real killers and a suspect to the police. Caught between vicious loup-garous, territorial gangs, and federal agents with their own agendas, he must navigate a world of shifting alliances and brutal betrayals. With the next full moon approaching, Dresden is in a race against time to uncover the truth before the city's streets run red, forcing him to confront the nature of the monsters he hunts and the darkness that lies within humanity itself.
As the body count rises, Dresden finds himself a target for the real killers and a suspect to the police. Caught between vicious loup-garous, territorial gangs, and federal agents with their own agendas, he must navigate a world of shifting alliances and brutal betrayals. With the next full moon approaching, Dresden is in a race against time to uncover the truth before the city's streets run red, forcing him to confront the nature of the monsters he hunts and the darkness that lies within humanity itself.
Subjects
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Literature & Fiction
- Genre Fiction
- Horror
- Mystery, Thriller & Suspense
- Fantasy
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Fiction
- United States
- Mystery
- Contemporary
- Paranormal & Urban
- Superheroes
- Hard-Boiled
- Private Investigators
- Supernatural
- Urban
- Crime & Mystery
- Occult & Supernatural
- City Life
- Mystery & Detective
- Science Fiction
- Paranormal
Original edition
Fool MoonOriginally published in 2001 English Penguin
Other editions (16)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
The biting winds of a Chicago winter are scarcely colder than the chill gripping Harry Dresden's finances, his wizardly business having hit a dry spell. Just as the hunger pangs begin to truly set in, a call comes that promises to stir things up. Lieutenant Karrin Murphy of Special Investigations, her relationship with Harry still strained from their last supernatural entanglement, needs his unique expertise. A brutally savaged body, a henchman of the city's crime lord Johnny Marcone, has been discovered, surrounded by wolf-like paw prints, and the full moon looms. Harry, with a wizard's sight, immediately recognizes the signature of something far more sinister than any ordinary animal attack.
The investigation is immediately complicated by the arrival of a team of FBI agents, led by Agent Denton, who are clearly more than they seem. Harry, ever the pragmatist, manages to snag a shard of bloody glass from the crime scene, using it to magically track a lead. This trail pulls him into the shadowed world of Tera West, a mysterious woman who leads a gang of young, college-aged werewolves known as the Alphas. It is from her that Harry learns of a far more ancient and terrifying breed of creature: the loup-garou, a monstrous, cursed werewolf, and its connection to her fiancé, Harley MacFinn, a wealthy environmentalist. MacFinn is a man trapped by a hereditary curse, transforming into an unstoppable killer under the pale light of the full moon.
As the moon waxes, the body count rises, and the city tightens its grip in fear. Murphy, desperate and under immense pressure, arrests MacFinn in his human form, ignoring Harry's urgent warnings about the true nature of his curse. The consequences are swift and horrific. Imprisoned at the police station, MacFinn transforms, unleashing a bloody rampage that devastates Murphy's staff and the holding cells. Harry, wounded and on the run, is rescued by Tera, who desperately seeks his help to reconstruct the powerful magical circles that might contain her monstrous fiancé.
The web of supernatural intrigue grows denser. Harry discovers that the FBI agents are not merely investigators but hexenwolves, using enchanted belts to transform into their bestial forms. Their true, insidious plot begins to unravel: to frame MacFinn for the murders and eliminate Marcone, who has his own interests in the land MacFinn seeks to protect. Harry finds himself caught between warring factions of supernatural predators, struggling to protect the innocent, navigate his crumbling relationship with Murphy, and untangle the layers of deception.
The climax erupts in a furious confrontation on Marcone's estate. Harry, alongside Tera and the Alphas, faces off against Denton and his hexenwolf team, a brutal clash of magic, claws, and gunfire. In a desperate gambit, Harry even dons a stolen hexenwolf belt, briefly embracing the monstrous power to turn the tide. Amidst the chaos, he uses a powerful pentagram, a gift from his mother, to finally subdue the rampaging loup-garou. The events leave a profound mark, revealing the dangers of unchecked power and the blurred lines between good and evil in Chicago's hidden depths.
The investigation is immediately complicated by the arrival of a team of FBI agents, led by Agent Denton, who are clearly more than they seem. Harry, ever the pragmatist, manages to snag a shard of bloody glass from the crime scene, using it to magically track a lead. This trail pulls him into the shadowed world of Tera West, a mysterious woman who leads a gang of young, college-aged werewolves known as the Alphas. It is from her that Harry learns of a far more ancient and terrifying breed of creature: the loup-garou, a monstrous, cursed werewolf, and its connection to her fiancé, Harley MacFinn, a wealthy environmentalist. MacFinn is a man trapped by a hereditary curse, transforming into an unstoppable killer under the pale light of the full moon.
As the moon waxes, the body count rises, and the city tightens its grip in fear. Murphy, desperate and under immense pressure, arrests MacFinn in his human form, ignoring Harry's urgent warnings about the true nature of his curse. The consequences are swift and horrific. Imprisoned at the police station, MacFinn transforms, unleashing a bloody rampage that devastates Murphy's staff and the holding cells. Harry, wounded and on the run, is rescued by Tera, who desperately seeks his help to reconstruct the powerful magical circles that might contain her monstrous fiancé.
The web of supernatural intrigue grows denser. Harry discovers that the FBI agents are not merely investigators but hexenwolves, using enchanted belts to transform into their bestial forms. Their true, insidious plot begins to unravel: to frame MacFinn for the murders and eliminate Marcone, who has his own interests in the land MacFinn seeks to protect. Harry finds himself caught between warring factions of supernatural predators, struggling to protect the innocent, navigate his crumbling relationship with Murphy, and untangle the layers of deception.
The climax erupts in a furious confrontation on Marcone's estate. Harry, alongside Tera and the Alphas, faces off against Denton and his hexenwolf team, a brutal clash of magic, claws, and gunfire. In a desperate gambit, Harry even dons a stolen hexenwolf belt, briefly embracing the monstrous power to turn the tide. Amidst the chaos, he uses a powerful pentagram, a gift from his mother, to finally subdue the rampaging loup-garou. The events leave a profound mark, revealing the dangers of unchecked power and the blurred lines between good and evil in Chicago's hidden depths.
What other readers say
Liked
The book is widely praised for its engaging and action-packed narrative, with many readers finding it a significant improvement over the first installment. Its strength lies in a more interesting and dangerous plot, particularly towards the intense climax. The world-building is appreciated, especially the creative and varied interpretations of supernatural creatures and the established rules of magic. Harry Dresden, the protagonist, is often described as a relatable and "adorkable" character with a unique magical toolkit. His interactions with a cast of intriguing supporting characters, such as the witty skull-spirit Bob and the enigmatic demon Chauncy, add depth and humor. Readers also enjoyed the snarky dialogue and the compelling "old school detective vibe" that underpins the urban fantasy setting. The audio narration by James Marsters receives particular acclaim for enhancing the reading experience.
Disliked
However, the reviews also highlight several recurring criticisms. Harry Dresden's character can be a source of frustration due to an overly developed "hero complex," a tendency for self-blame, and making questionable decisions. The portrayal of women is a notable point of contention, with some finding Harry chauvinistic and female characters often depicted as needing rescue or being overly sexualized. The dynamic between Harry and police detective Murphy is frequently criticized for its repetitive cycle of mistrust and accusations, despite their working relationship. Some readers found the overall writing style to be inconsistent, leading to a flat emotional tone that diminished the sense of danger. Concerns were also raised about the plot becoming convoluted with too many antagonists and reliance on convenient solutions, as well as a lack of meaningful character development for the recurring cast. For some, the book felt less like an essential read and more like a bridge to later, supposedly better, installments in the series.
In short
Despite these mixed reactions, many reviewers express a continued desire to follow Harry Dresden's adventures, often citing assurances from long-time fans that the series significantly improves with subsequent books. The consensus is that while this installment may not be perfect, it offers an entertaining and readable experience for those patient enough to continue. It is likely to appeal to readers who enjoy urban fantasy with a strong mystery element, featuring a magical detective protagonist navigating a dangerous supernatural Chicago. Fans of action-packed stories, creative magical systems, and a protagonist with a flawed but ultimately good-hearted nature will find much to appreciate, especially if they are willing to overlook some of the initial character and plot issues for the promise of future development.
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