Dead Man's Hand (The Unorthodox Chronicles Book 1)

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Some additional editorial work could have been done, the very noticeable "he might not have known how X felt like, but now he had a good idea how X might feel" is used twice in a very short distance making the scene feel repetitious. This is odd as seeing the authors' familiar connection the work should have been edited by professionals. Dead Man’s Hand is splendid, a spectacular debut novel and the best book I’ve read in years. James J. Butcher is an outstanding storyteller and I can’t wait to read what he comes up with next.”—Faith Hunter, New York Times bestselling author He turned and bared a defiant smile at Peters, who was looming near the front door. “They’ll all get what they deserve, here at Mighty Magic Donald’s Food Kingdom.”

In any case, don’t bind yourselves to just one.” He imprinted a rune on the bottom of the Agents’ table between lumps of dried gum. There were no cries of outrage or shouted spells, so he must have been subtle enough. Although when compared to his words and robe, nearly anything would have been subtle.And let me just say, I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Wudge. That creature is hilarious. Sinister, completely uncanny and you should never underestimate them, but I REALLY hope Wudge makes a return in future books. (PLEASE tell me there will be other books). He forced himself not to look at the gathered Agents and Auditors, at least not any more so than the scattered collection of bored parents. He put on his best show face and bared his teeth in a smile. “Abracadabra, alakazam, all that kind of thing!” he said, waving his long, loose sleeves in the air. “Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to the illustrious realm of Mighty Magic Donald’s Food Kingdom. We are pleased to welcome you to our calorically dense, nutritionally deficient lands.” Peters glanced over his shoulder with singular annoyance. It was a look that made Grimsby squirm. “ Now, Mr. Grimsby.” You don’t want this to go the hard way,” Peters warned. “N‑neither do you,” Grimsby said, crossing his arms. “What did you say?” Peters said, his eyes narrowing.

But beyond Grimsby there were some really funny moments and a few very intense emotional moments as well that worked for me, and that's a mix that Dresden gets so right and that I really enjoy.

More uncomfortable gazes. He strode around the dining area and noticed a tray of nachos that were sitting on the kitchen window to be delivered. He scooped them up and set them down on the second table of Agents. “On the house! Oh, come on, dig in! Don’t make me torque your arms like the olden days.” He thumbed a waiting Torque rune onto the bottom of the tray. Before stepping away: “Bring your friends, bring your family, gadzooks, bring your enemies if you want.”

Jim Butcher has made a big name for himself in the Urban Fantasy book world. He's huge! So when his son decided to throw his name into the ring as well, I knew I had to give him a shot - a fair one, of course, without judging him by his father's reputation. Headlines for one. I can think of a couple right off the bat. ‘Auditors Storm Children’s Theme Restaurant,’ or maybe ‘Witches Gonna Get You, and Your Little Kids, Too.’ The last thing you want is a spectacle that people will be talking about.” This is a very impressive debut and a series I'm going to be looking forward to continuing on release day for the next book which is hopefully not too far away. I did it fully in print, but I also have a feeling I would have loved the audiobook so I figure I might do that for a reread to get refreshed before the next book.Your job? Is that what this is?” He gestured to Grimsby’s robes. “Because I call it a disgrace. To all of our kind.” He said the final words with a disturbing reverence.

The world-building has enough aspects resembling worlds I’ve already seen to feel comfortable and immediately immerse myself. But it also has a few unique twists, providing that cool factor that interested me and fascinated me. The plot contains a base in a thriller - starting with a murder that the main character is accused of committing and speeding its way through his detective work to find the actual killer. As a thriller addict, I love seeing the genre taken to urban fantasy with its fast-paced and dangerous situations in place.It was interesting to see the Huntsman go from looking at Grimsby first with suspicion, then with derision, then with grudging respect. And they did get to the bottom of things in the end and got the bad guy. Clear your schedule. You won’t want to put this down. . . . An entirely enjoyable read that proves once more that snark is indeed a deadly weapon. Read it. You will not be disappointed. I eagerly await the sequel.”—#1 New York Times bestselling authorKim Harrison The plot itself is fine and fairly direct. They have to find a maguffin and that takes them to various places. The world is nicely realised, though one Grimsby is oddly unaware of. The magic is also nicely restrained. While Dresden has a bunch of spells that he can throw out on a moment’s notice, Grimsby has two but he has to use them in inventive ways. I’m always a big fan of characters who has restrictions put on them and I liked this one. Grimsby had followed through on his threat, and the news would already have a field day with what had happened. The fleeing crowd would make sure of that. It would make little difference now if Grimsby were to be arrested.