Storm Front, Dresden Files Book 1 (Jim Butcher)

I've been looking for a new book series to read for quite a while now.  Tried everything from the Black Company to The Wheels of Time, which by the way is no Game of Thrones, and finally found something I think is a worth wile read.  I have to of course give a nod to my brother in law for this recommendation.

Storm Front is the first in an ongoing book series by author Jim Butcher.  Currently there are 15 books in the series and I believe Butcher is still writing stories, expecting around 20 books when things are wrapped up.  Based on the first novel this is a series that should be read in order for character introduction, but it appears that the stories are stand alone tales.

We are introduced to Harry Dresden, the worlds only out and private investigator, who happens to be a wizard.  It just so happens, like in most books, magic is real, vampires, fairies, demons, monsters, you name it walk among us.  This alone would not sell me on a book series as it is a tale thats been rehashed numerous times.  The selling point is of course our protagonist Harry Dresden.  Part of me wants to say he reminds me a bit of an Indiana Jones type character.  He's not a flawless hero, he makes mistakes, there is humor, and his life is complicated.  These complications of course stem from part time work for the local police department, his PI work, and the fact that someone is trying to frame him for murder.  It's not so much the police Harry has to worry about as much as the who is doing it and the magical super friend group that has him on a short leash already.  Theres a very good confrontation with a vampire in the book that really sold me, its not quite what you think and its enough alone to keep me going in the series.

+ Interesting lead character
+ Light read with a quick moving and captivating story.
- Ending twist is decent, but the final showdown is not necessarily the most impressive in the novel.