The Griffin or the Agate

    Quick, who's doing the best series writing in the realm of fantasy right now?
    George R.R. Martin? The writing is stellar, the interminable wait between books is not.
    J.K. Rowling? The enormous popularity is always going to work against her when it comes to critics, unfairly so.
    Some of the other big names, maybe, the old guard, the tried and true? The reputations are there, but how many of them are getting by on that as opposed to fresh and exciting writing?
    I've got another option for you – Jim Butcher. And it's one that should be considered seriously, because the adventures of his beleaguered wizard Harry Dresden are about the best a reader's going to find out there, a series that's steadily improved with each book.
    Blood Rites is no exception. As usual, following the chivalrous knight-in-wizard-robes – err, leather duster – is like being strapped into a wild roller coaster for a hell of a ride – but not the jarring experience of one of the old wooden ones, but rather the smooth, exhilarating shock fest of one of the modern metal monsters. Tossing numerous complex but engaging plot lines into the big mixing bowl, Butcher keeps the reader on edge as Harry stumbles from one impossible situation to another. This time he's given a job – an actual paying one, imagine that – to investigate the occult disasters occurring around the set of an adult movie production. In addition to the presence of member of the White Court of Vampires, a branch much more akin to succubi than suckers of blood, the battered and bruised hero is also under attack by the powerful and deadly Black Court vampires. As he tries to stop the deadly curse that's taking lives Harry is constantly exposed to varying types of physical and emotional trials: untruths discovered and betrayals exposed; unexpected feelings brought to light and relationships changed; risks taken and prices paid.
    Butcher handles all these angles and more with wit and aplomb, but also with humor, and ingredient all too scarce in today's fantasy. Dresden, the eternal wise ass, has several laugh-out-loud moments given to him, and the supporting characters are allowed to display their sass as well. Butcher has always displayed the admiral quality of keeping Dresden true to his character – overly gallant, hotheaded, insanely stubborn – while also managing to find and expose new depths within. In Blood Rites Butcher also shines the light on those in Harry's life, most notably Karrin Murphy, his friend and Chicago Police contact, and Ebenezar McCoy, his mentor. Most things discovered are a kick in the teeth to Harry, but why should things be different now?
    Bottom line? Blood Rites is not only good, it's scary good, and Butcher's name should start appearing on those ballots for the four-letter awards given out each year. But even if those high above don't give Butcher the attention and respect they should doesn't mean you should make the same mistake. If you've read Butcher before you probably already have Blood Rites in your hands. If you haven't discovered him yet pick up Storm Front, the first in the series, and thank me for the heads-up later.   §

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