#Dresden Files Re-read

[haaaaaaaaaaaave-you-met-ted]

Now Reading: Fool Moon by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files #2)

[happycabbage]

"And I'm all outta bubble gum!"

AKA - Great moments as brought to you by Harry Dresden

Proven Guilty

[attila-werther]

once again, attila I'm free literally any day of the week

[gingersnapwolves]

random post of the day

I know that Jim Butcher is mostly famous for The Dresden Files but I really feel like The Codex Alera should get more love. I'm re-reading it and realizing what a formative influence Tavi's character was on how I wrote Stiles in The Sum of its Parts. The 'powerless' character who uses his wits, inspires loyalty, makes allies out of his enemies, and has an uncanny knack for finding the third option.

And, I mean, this:

Tavi bared his teeth in a smile. "But we have something the Vord [an enormous army of insect-like creatures] do not." Varg tilted his head to one side. "What is that?" "Ink."

I'd say this is so TSOIP!Stiles-coded, except actually I'm realizing that it was really that when Stiles said things like "You know what would be an exciting development right now? Tax records," and "first we need to go to a kitchen" store it was actually that TSOIP!Stiles was being extremely Tavi-coded

[blowfliesorangeeyes]

Carl vs Harry Dresden. would they get along, would they fight, who win etc.

I haven't re-read Dresden Files in ages so I apologize for any wildly incorrect statements

I have a whole post on Dresden's somewhat pro-authoritarian nature! I feel Carl and him would get along on the surface and then they'd sort of Realize that Dresden became a magic cop and Carl is trying to overthrow the government

Fight wise is a bit hard to say, they're both incredibly scrappy/resilient so I just know the fight would be a Slog. Also lots and lots and lots of fire and exploding (side note, I wonder how Dresden's technology disruption would interact with the System)

I think just due to the more cartooney 'this guy can get punted across the room and stand back up again' nature of DCC vs the slightly more grounded 'you got shot go lay down and take meds' nature of Dresden, Carl would win simply through the regenerative ability/extreme unkillability. However, if they were put at the same constitution stat, I think Dresden could fuego the shit out of Carl/use the force, plus Dresden has all those shields on his coat and Carl is more of a monster killin fella with lots of advanced planning rather than a wizard killin fella

Thank you so much for the ask Autixel, it was very fun!

[magicaldogtoto]

I don't know much about Jim Butcher as a person--I barely even know much about him as a writer (I've read some of his Dresden Files short stories, though)--but I hope someone somewhere is archiving his old Livejournal because the essays he has on writing are very useful references.

I can't even count the number of times I've read and re-read them and applied what they say to the stuff I've written. His essay on how to wade through the middle of a story so it you can reach the end and not get bogged down by the stress of being stuck in the middle is literally the main thing that's helped me get through the mid-section of Parallel Worlds Record as I write it out (not to mention the mid-sections of other stuff I've written or are working on, both fanfic and original fic). It would be terrible if no one at least saved the information he provided to share with other writers.

[foldingfittedsheets]

re: Jim Butcher post and tags — Ye e e eah h h… I wanted to think it was just the character and that the narrative didn’t support it, because there were just enough times that other characters called the main character out on his b.s. that I thought: maybe? maybe there’s some self awareness?

Then a few things happened:

I stumbled across this post (and some related discussions that are forever lost to Xitter by this point): 

luciazephyr dreamwidth 548703 (in case it removes the link due to anonymity)

I ended up interacting with Butcher on social media due to some closely overlapping/intersecting social circles (long story). 

anyway, after watching him only interact with a couple mutual friends whenever they posted anything social justice related, and only to whitesplain and mansplain and cissplain (etc) all over the place, repeatedly, despite very gentle and patient attempts at education and calling in…

……yeah I think the only reason the narrative seemed at times to not entirely support the misogyny was due to the (rather cool in many cases) women in his life* possibly giving feedback, and maybe due to sensitivity readers, rather than because of any awareness the author has internalized. *At the time. I don’t know how many of those women are still in his life at this point, but that’s unrelated gossip/speculation.

(I really hope this only sends once, because it’s given me 2 error messages now)

Yeah, I know that for my male friend recommending the books to me the in text call outs definitely made him be like, “See? The author is aware!” So I had to write a fuckin essay of bullet points to get him to understand and acknowledge the textual misogyny that was just baked in. The nail in the coffin is Murphy the “straight” woman checking out a naked werewolf lady and having no reaction to a jacked naked dude.

It’s been a hot minute since I’ve read them but I remember literally every woman is introduced on a fuckability scale- including his kids teenage daughter. There’s no plot relevant older women or anyone who’s not bangable hanging around the narrative. Lots of older dudes and mentors as long as they’re male.

He digs into native shit that tribes have asked white authors to never touch, turns a Jewish man into a crusader for Christ, and just generally doesn’t listen if any fans took issue with portrayals.

The bummer is that he is a skilled writer in terms of plot and pacing which is why I read several of them teeth gritted hoping things would improve.

When they didn’t I found the Harrietta Lee books which are a fun lesbian spoof on the Dresden Files that I quite enjoyed, and of course October Daye.

[michellemisfit]

Weekly Tag Wednesday

Thanks for the game @heymacy 💜 and for the tag @gallapiech @sleepyheadgallavich

name: Michelle

age: 39

location: 🛁

top sheet, yes or no? I’m not sure what a top sheet is… is it just a thin sheet? Like instead of a duvet? In which case No. if it’s something else then someone please explain it to me and I will decide if yes or no lol

how many stuffed animals do you own? These days only like 5-10 max. Used to have hundreds.

the names of your pets (and the explanations behind them): Wiggins (after Bradley Wiggins the cyclist), Howard (after the foreman we had on a big build on the farm when we got the three kittens. His name was Howard Allen Crisp, and we loved him, so we named the three cats Howard, Allen, and Crispy), and Mouse R.I.P (after Mouse from The Dresden Files and Michael ‘Mouse’ Tolliver from Tales of the City)

favourite color: rainbow 🌈

any tattoos? Mickey Milkovich Voice: YEP YEP

how you transport your belongings (purse, tote, hands, pockets, etc.): small tartan backpack

the last movie you watched: watching the hunger games mockingjay tonight 🙌

how long does it take you to get ready in the morning? 10 minutes to get dressed, 10 minutes to eat breakfast, 10 minutes to do make up. If I am running late 2 and 3 are optional lol

favourite weather: 20 degrees, sunny, scattered clouds

relationship status: single, and not mingling

ice cream flavor of choice: chocolate with brownie chunks and stuff like that. The more bits of cake you can put into my ice cream the better. Which is ironic as I’m not a big fan of cake 🤷🏽‍♂️

first fandom: Buffy the Vampire Slayer 🫶 (I’m pretty sure wearing a Claddagh ring to a job interview got me my first real job lol)

how many books have you read this year? Trying to re-read Mockingjay, which will make the grand total… 1. Fucking fanfic man… 😬

first 4 words of your last notes app entry: Arrowshaft. Knock. Feathers. Point.

and finally, if you had to change your URL tomorrow, what would you change it to? I wouldn’t. There’s a few socials where I had to be MichelleMisfitX and I would like to drop the X. But that’s it.

Okay my lovelies. I’m very sleepy so tagging is gonna be a MESS! haha

@rutherinahobbit @deedala @darlingian @iandarling @too-schoolforcool @the-rat-wins @suzy-queued @vintagelacerosette @heymrspatel @gallawitchxx @whatthebodygraspsnot @ian-galagher @iansw0rld @palepinkgoat @faejilly @rereadanon @energievie @lupeloto @wehangout @sickness-health-all-that-shit @mybrainismelted @crossmydna @captainjowl @creepkinginc @tsuga-of-mars @lynne-monstr @mickeygifs @mikhailoisbaby @crestfallercanyon

[silver138]

Perfectly Flawed - Chapter 2

word count - 1.2k

warnings - discussion of alcohol

Summary: Lina starts making plans and bumps into a (new) familiar face on the way home.

After a day of learning specific operating systems and programs, most of which Penelope herself has designed, it's time to clock out. "So, how was your first day, hon?" Penny asks me as we walk into the elevators.

"Pretty good, hopefully I'll learn the layout quickly. And as long as no one sets anything up too high, I won't have to bring in a step stool!" I joke.

She laughs and says, "Well, you could always ask someone to get it for you. I'm sure there's a few of the guys here who wouldn't mind helping..."

I blush, my mind immediately racing to Spencer. "Aha! I know that look! OK, spill, which one?" Penny says excitedly. We exit the elevator, stepping aside to keep the way clear.

I freeze, then start talking again, trying to calmly say, "I-I don't know what you mean, Penny..."

She giggles a little and says, "Oh, come on, we work with profilers, you think I haven't learned how to do that, too? Besides, if you tell me who you're interested in, I might be able to tell you if he's available or not..."

I snort and say, "You sure know how to dangle a carrot in front of a gal, Penny...OK, it's...it's, um, Doc-Doctor Reid..."

Penny squeals and says, "I knew it! Oh, Lina, you're in the free and clear, he's as single as a Pringle."

"I, um...'Pringle'? Really?!" I ask, laughing.

"I mean, it rhymes..." she says, joining in the laughter.

"And what are you lovely ladies giggling about?" Derek says stepping out of the elevator, Spencer right behind.

"Oh, nothing. Hey, I was talking with Lina, and I was thinking that as long as we don't get called somewhere this weekend, we could head out for some drinks and socializing." Penny says to him as we all start walking.

"Well, that sounds good, what do you say, Pretty Boy? You gonna join us this time?" Derek says, turning to Spencer.

He shrugs his shoulders and says, "I don't know, Morgan. You know I don't really drink, and there's a book I was hoping to get through..." Spencer starts.

"Come on, man, it takes you, what, a half an hour to read? I think you can spare an evening." Derek counters.

"Um, I-I don't drink either, so I don't think that's necessarily a requirement. Besides, you said something about karaoke, Penny?" I interject.

Derek nudges Spencer with his shoulder and says, "See? I told you that you don't have to when you come out with us..."

Spencer puts his hands in his pockets and says, "Y-yeah, ok, maybe..."

I quickly glance at the clock and say, "Hey, you'll give me more info later, right, Penny? I gotta run! See you guys tomorrow!" I rush off to get to the metro, hearing "See you tomorrow!" from Penny behind me. Sprinting and weaving through people on the sidewalks, I make it to the station 15 minutes early. Happy and out of breath, I sit down on a bench, take a book out of my bag, and start reading while I wait.

I'm about a chapter in when I hear a tentative, "Lina?" from my right. Sliding my bookmark in place, I look up to see Spencer standing there.

I smile and say, "Doc- I mean, Spencer, hey. You take the metro, too?" He nods and shifts closer.

Fidgeting with his satchel, he asks, "W-what book are you reading?" I hold it up so he can see the cover.

"Dresden Files. It's, um, urban fantasy. There's a new one coming out in May, so I'm re-reading from the beginning to remember the story better. This is the third one in the series."

"That sounds interesting. I usually stick with the classics, but I'm always looking for new books to read. What's the series about?" he says, sitting down on the bench near me.

I grin and explain, "OK, it's about a guy named Harry Dresden, and he's a wizard detective. As in, he can use magic and he solves cases. He has to deal with both mundane bad guys along with supernatural ones, like ghosts, werewolves, vampires, and The Fae. It's...I can't do it justice, but I can maybe bring the first book in tomorrow if you want to read it."

He gives me a shy smile and says, "I-I'd like that...I'd make sure to give it back by the end of the day, as long as we don't get called in."

I laugh and say, "It's, like, 300 pages. There's no way you can read it in a day. Not if you're at work, at least."

"I-I could actually read it in about 20 minutes. I can read about 20,000 words per minute," he says quickly.

Eyebrows raised, I mutter a soft, "Well, damn." In a louder voice, I say, "So, libraries were your second home as a kid, too?"

He just gives me a small smile. I give one back and say, "Tell ya what, Spencer, how bout I bring the first 2 in tomorrow? I'm not gonna lie, that's...impressive and something I gotta see. If-if that's ok...I'd be quiet, promise." Before he can answer, the metro trundles up, and the doors open.

As he grabs his fare, he turns to me and says, "I-yeah, I doubt it would be very interesting, though. Just...a lot of page turning."

After we walk in and get seats near enough to talk, I shrug and say, "I dunno, I still think it'd be something I'd wanna see at least once, like...a meteor shower, something rare and fascinating." I laugh a little and say, "I have to admit, I'm slightly jealous. I could actually get through my 'to be read' pile in this lifetime if I was able to read that fast."

Spencer laughs at that, his eyes crinkling as he nods and says, "It-it does come in handy, that's for sure."

Thinking for a moment, I ask him, "OK, so, on days you're at the office, do you have a regular lunch break?" He nods, and I continue. "So, would this be possible to do during said lunch break?"

He quietly says, "Um, y-yeah, that would be fine."

My face brightens a little as I say, "Great! What do you like to have for lunch?" Spencer just looks at me, and I quickly ask, "Well, you do eat, right? You consume more than just coffee, I'm hoping?" He nods, and I continue. "OK, good. You've basically agreed to let me stare at you for 40 minutes, the least I can do is get you lunch."

He softly chuckles and stammers out, "I-y-yeah, o-okay..."

Seeing as my stop is coming up soon, I ask him, "Hey, um, do you ride this in the mornings, too?" He nods, and as I pull the cord for my stop, I say, "Awesome! I guess I'll see you tomorrow, Doc- Spencer!" As we come to a stop, I step out and then turn, giving him a quick wave, and then making my way home.

Previous chapter

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Story Masterlist

[haaaaaaaaaaaave-you-met-ted]

Now Reading: White Night by Jim Butcher (Dresden Files, Book 9)

[katabay]

Hi, if i may ask,,,what detective and mystery stories do you read? 👀

right now, I’m going through everything of Keigo Higashino’s (東野 圭吾) work that’s been translated into English!!!

the Detective Galileo series especially has my attention, I’ve enjoyed everything of Higashino’s work I’ve read so far, but I stayed up until 3am without realizing it with Detective Galileo because I finished Devotion of Suspect X and immediately needed to read the next one

I also recently finished reading Priest’s Mo Du (默读) and I’m fucking obsessed. Show stopping, unparalleled, a fucking experience from start to finish, I’m planning on re reading it before the year is over 100% (Priest is a favorite author for sure, ever since I read Guardian/Zhen Hun/镇魂)

[museeeuuuum]

I've been re-reading the Dresden files and I'm getting closer to Changes and god I wish I could wipe my memory and experience it all for the first time again.

[missroserose]

13 books meme

@introvertia tagged me in this (thank you, lovely, you're such a positive influence on my reading consistency <3) So let's talk books!

1) The Last book I read:

The Sparrow by Mary Doria Russell. Absolutely destroyed me—90's science fiction, examining the paradoxes of faith and the difficulties of cross-culture exploration, seasoned with a hefty dose of grief and frustrated desire. Might as well have been written for me.

2) A book I recommend:

The Wicked & The Divine, by Kieron Gillen and Jamie McKelvie. A sprawling examination of the celebrity-industrial complex, cultural and individual objectification, and the dark side of fandom culture. Well worth reading through in its entirety.

3) A book that I couldn’t put down:

Starling House, by Alix E. Harrow. I'm a sucker for a fierce and driven heroine who makes things happen by sheer force of will, despite the odds being against her. Between that and the deliciously spooky atmosphere, I adored this book.

4) A book I’ve read twice (or more):

<i>Good Omens</i>, by Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett. Hardly an original answer on this website, but it's a classic for a reason <3

5) A book on my TBR:

Victor Lavalle's The Changeling, thanks to @introvertia's recommendation. I know nothing about it but I'm looking forward to reading it!

6) A book I’ve put down:

The War of Art, by Steven Pressfield. I know that the accepted formula for self-help books is to present your one theory and explain why it solves every problem in the known universe, and I hate it, which is probably why I don't read a lot of self-help books. Needless to say, around the time this dude claimed that Hitler wouldn't have become a mass murderer if he'd followed the book's advice, I gave up in disgust.

7) A book on my wish list:

Honestly, I don't have many? I've been enjoying reading from the library, in part because my bedroom is already showing the strain of previous book-buying sprees.

8) A favorite book from childhood:

The Woman Who Rides Like a Man, by Tamora Pierce. I read the entire Alanna series numerous times but I think this was my favorite—I really loved seeing her come into her own independence and learn a new culture (and one that accepted her unusual gender presentation).

9) A book you would give to a friend:

Again, depends strongly on the friend...but I can think of more than a few who'd enjoy the old-school gothic fairytale setting and viciously driven heroine of A. G. Slatter's All the Murmuring Bones.

10) A book of Poetry or Lyrics you own:

Hm...does the script to Hedwig and the Angry Inch count?

11) A nonfiction book you own:

The Devil in the White City, by Erik Larson—they practically issue you a copy when you move to Chicago. (In fairness, it's a cracking read.)

12) What are you currently reading:

Skin Folk, a collection of short stories by Nalo Hopkinson. I'm also rereading (or re-listening to) Mike Carey's The Devil You Know, and enjoying it rather better this time around—I think the first time I tried it, almost ten years ago, I was expecting something more along the lines of The Dresden Files and wasn't quite old enough to appreciate the more emotionally battered and worn-down middle-aged protagonist. Now, being a decade older and having lived through a global pandemic and seen rather more of just how terrible people can be to each other...I think it's more my speed. And possibly good research for if I ever get my angel noir story off the ground.

13) What are you planning on reading next?

Definitely The Changeling.

Bonus Round Shelfie?

I'm at a library right now but I might add one later!

Tagging: @klove0511, @sirsparklepants, @emiliosandozsequence, @skybound2, @ihni, @callieb, @lord-angelfish, @redmyeyes, @misschinablue, and @sea-salted-wolverine—no pressure, obviously, but I'd be interested in your answers!

[an-aura-about-you]

Oh no, I'm going to do a full side by side comparison of Handbook for Mortals to The Dresden Files, aren't I? That will require re-reading the book.

[kurticus]

I'm re-reading the Dresden Files. Expect stupid quotes out of context and other inane ramblings

[narastories]

what we can have

I want to say ‘this is a weird one’ but let’s face it: when have I ever written something that’s not?

That said… this is: a) a crossover b) wizardbaron

Fandom: The Dresden Files - Jim Butcher, The Fetch Phillips Archives Series - Luke Arnold Rating: Teen And Up Audiences Relationships: Harry Dresden/Johnny Marcone, Thurston Niles/Fetch Phillips Tags: Crossover, Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Dimension Travel, POV Alternating, POV First Person, POV Third Person, Marcone POV, Fetch POV, in terms of the Dresden Files it's set after Fool Moon, in the FPA universe after OFITF, pining Wizardbaron, established Philes, because I said so, somehow Philes ended up being the emotionally more mature couple in this which is hilarious, Unresolved Sexual Tension, Fae & Fairies, Niles & Marcone bromance, Fluff

Summary:

John Marcone has a bad start of his day when he manages to get his favorite wizard to help him, only for them to be transported to a different city. Fetch Phillips also faces trouble when a self-proclaimed wizard and a trigger-happy mafia boss enter his café unexpectedly.

The story of four men grappling with the unpredictable nature of magic and their impractical crushes.

Read on AO3

To answer a few questions you might have in advance:

Can I read this if I haven’t read the Dresden Files?

Yes, totally! There are a few minor spoilers from book 1 & 2 but nothing big. If you are familiar with the general premise of the Dresden Files, you should be fine.

Can I read this if I haven’t read the Fetch Phillips Archives?

Technically, yes, but from the FPA perspective, this takes place after the third book, and there are some pretty significant spoilers alluded to. If you have no intention of reading the FPA or don’t care about the spoilers, you should be fine. However, I think if you like the Dresden Files, you should really give the Fetch Phillips Archives a go, and maybe save this fic after you read the first three books ;)

Nara you never seemed like a huge Wizardbaron fan, how come you wrote this ship? Can we expect more Harry x Marcone fics in the future?

GODS I HOPE NOT

I’m sorry for being so antagonistic about this. I have a real love/hate relationship with Marcone and this ship.

I get everything I ever wanted from enjoying Harry/Nic and Fetch/Niles. The reason why this fic ended up being Harry/Marcone is because they are much closer in vibe to Fetch/Niles, and I thought Marcone and Niles would get along pretty well. These ships and characters mirrored each other nicely so Marcone fit my idea better.

If I could have gotten away with making this Harry/Nic I would have, believe me.

I will always respect Wizardbaron enjoyers as the backbone of the DF fandom. And I also liked the idea of writing something that they could realistically enjoy without having to descend into the rarepair hell with me lol

I have no intention of writing more wizardbaron tho, sorry. Although as all fanfic writers know we have limited control of what we end up writing, am I right?

Also I re-listened to Even Hand while editing, and I highly recommend the audiobook version of that if you’re far enough into the DF series. It’s narrated by Mr. Author himself (btw I don’t know why I always call him that but you know, I think I’d better stick to Fae rules and don’t call him by his name on a fanfic lmao) and he clearly had so much fun with it. Certain implications for future theories aside it’s also one of the good parts with Marcone.

Anyway, if you read all that ramble i love you hope you enjoy the fic <3