Fool Moon

By: Jim Butcher

Narrated by: James Marsters

Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's Summary

Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden is Chicago's only openly practicing wizard. He is also dead broke. His vast knowledge and magical skills are unfortunately matched by his talent for making powerful enemies and alienating friends. With little more than his integrity left, he accepts an offer of work from Lt. Karin Murphy of Chicago's Special Investigations Unit. He wants to redeem himself in Murphy's eyes and make enough money to quiet his rumbling stomach.

Soon he finds himself pinned between trigger-happy FBI agents, shape-shifiting motorcycle gang members, a threatened mobster boss, and an heir to an ancient curse along with his primal fiance. Throw in environmental activists and a pair of young werewolves in love and you have something of Fool Moon.

©2002 Jim Butcher (P)2002 Buzzy Multimedia

One of the best books I've read in a long time!

I first discovered The Dresden Files series on NetFlix and was instantly hooked. I was nervous about reading Jim Butcher's books after seeing the series, worrying that my preconceptions and possible knowledge of plotlines might take away from the experience, but there's so much more to the characters and stories that I didn't even think of the TV series as I listened. Wonderful characters, wonderful stories, wonderful prose. I liked Marster's narration better in the second book. In fact, as much as I loved the first book, I found the second far more enjoyable, suspenseful, and thought provoking.

38 of 40 people found this review helpful

I'm liking Harry more and more

I was looking for another engaging series to try after reading all of Charlaine Harris' Sookie Stackhouse books and found Jim Butcher's books.

Harry Dresden, a wizard/detective in Chicago, is a very quirky, compelling main character who gets himself in one unbelievable predicament after another. I found the writing style of this second Dresden book to be decidedly improved from the first (Storm Front). Although there is still some hackneyed detective-genre prose to make me cringe at times, I am won over by Jim Butcher's talent for painting these characters, creating an intriguing paranormal universe, and some twisty-turny storylines that keep you guessing.

Fool Moon (nice pun, BTW) is about Harry's search to discover the source of a recent spate of killings, presumably by a werewolf. You will learn more about the different flavors of werewolf than you ever thought you wanted to know, and how they kill their prey (warning: not for the squeamish!)

I'm going to download the rest of the Dresden series because I just have to know what happens next to Harry and how he'll get out of it!

45 of 48 people found this review helpful

Werewolves, lycantropes, hexenwolves & loup-garou!

I enjoyed this installment more than book 1; the narration was much improved, it had chapters (I need order in my reads), and the story showcased countless different types of werewolves. The cast of secondary characters were wonderful as was Dresden's POV. The author's dark humour is catchy, and the action sequences were heart-stopping, especially the one in the police station. Whoa Nelly!

16 of 18 people found this review helpful

Another great novel of the Dresden Files

This novel is a turning point in the series. It is the second book in the Dresden Files and paves a strong foundation for turning a fairly light fantasy series into a substantial series with characters that live and breath. Murphy and Dresden begin to define the kind of friendship that will blossom into something very special.

Harry becomes something a bit more than just a brooding wizard as he begins to realize his responsibilities not just to trying to make a living but to his friends and his community of wizards.

James Marsten continues his excellent talent of reading these books and I disagree with a previous review that his delivery was shaky. His performance was stronger than the first book, Storm Front, and it continues to get better through the rest of the series.

I hope Audible gets all of the series. You should, too!

26 of 30 people found this review helpful

Howling entertainment

With all the undead books out there it was surprising to find a werewolf story that is actually original. Lots of suspense and lots of laughs mixed together - very enjoyable detective story fun. Some adult content, tastefully written, but not for pre-teens.

16 of 19 people found this review helpful

Done with Mr. Dresden

Any additional comments?

I have to admit I came into The Dresden Files expecting something really great but in the end it really just isn't for me. Dresden is a bit of an ass and spends most of the book in an emo mess of self loathing about how everything wouldn't be so screwed up if he was just able to figure out the convoluted mystery sooner.

Then there is Karrin Murphy. Ms. Murphy is far to quick to just assume Dresden is an evil, murdering, bastard when in truth he is just a crappy friend who can't just tell her what is actually going on which is what she is paying him to do.

Oh and lets not forget Mr. Masters. The breathing, oh the breathing. Why in the world did the editor allow all of the damn breathing and swallowing to stay in the book? Don't get me wrong, it isn't half as bad as the first book but it really pulled me out of the story. At least the production value for this book was a bit better than the first because it didn't sound like a bootleg of a 1950s radio program.

Alas, I have to say that I really don't think I am going to continue the Dresden Files. I had high hopes but it really just seems like a chore to continue with the series. It isn't the worst thing in the world and I fully understand that a lot of people really love the series but it's just not for me.

22 of 28 people found this review helpful

Carnage with the wolves

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I was upset that the main story line was not so nicely spun as the first in the series. I do believe the writer wanted to invite us to share Harry dipping into his most primal fears or desires. I was happy when it was over but that was my perception, other listeners might have liked it.

Would you ever listen to anything by Jim Butcher again?

I might give Book 3 a try nonetheless.

What do you think the narrator could have done better?

The loup garou becomes a "loop garou", for a French speaker this becomes annoying after a while. The "p" in the French word loup is silent, it sounds more like "loo" than "loop" ...

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Loogarooooooo!

Dresden books are so great!  He's such a fantastic, master-mess, kind of sexy, (In a weird way), wizard. 

Returning superb cast members make this another outstanding read.  I was looking forward to seeing all the regular suspects that make up Harry's motley crew of friends, enemies and co-workers; it was like seeing old friends.  

According to my favorite, "flippant-English, talking skull, ancient-spirit guy," "Bob".  There are three different types of werewolves and they get pretty ruthless in this second installment of Dresden's adventures.  A great detective story that can carry a serious side while throwing in just enough humor to keep the story entertaining without becoming silly.  

Butcher keeps the suspense flowing throughout his writing without forcing the storyline and Harry would not be Harry without being narrated by  Marsters.  I'm hooked on Harry and this series. 

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Pretty good story line but poor reader

Would you listen to Fool Moon again? Why?

Well I liked the story enough to put up with the reader's constant deep breaths and swallowing sounds..As soon as I would get engaged in the story, he would do something to remind me yet again that he was the reader and not the character...you can even hear him swallow every few minutes!

How could the performance have been better?

new reader please

32 of 44 people found this review helpful

This engaged me more than I thought it would

The second book in The Dresden Files takes place a bit after the events in Storm Front. After business slows down resulting in Harry taking some odd magical jobs here and there, Karrin Murphy contacts Harry for his help on a murder case. She takes him to a crime scene where one of Marcone's men has been brutally murdered and strange paw prints are left at the scene. Add the fact similar murders have been taking place during and around the full moon for a few months, and you have a formula.

I've read the first book twice now, and even though I liked it, I hadn't ventured any further in the series until now. I just get so bogged down with other books I want to read. I had to work out of town for two days, and I figured this would be the perfect read for my trip since I wouldn't be able to do much book reading. I try not to listen to anything too heavy and this was the perfect audio book with it's fast, easy pace. I found myself quickly caught up in the story.

I thought Butcher's take on werewolves was refreshing, especially how he used "lycanthropes," who aren't really werewolves, but people born with the ability to tap into the spirit of rage. When they are under the power of the spirit, they are more aggressive, stronger, and they heal quickly. His four definitions of werewolves in the story gives them real weaknesses and strengths (other than the silver bullet bit, but it comes into play as well) with the werewolves we typically think of, called loup-garou, not being as common in Harry's world as the other three types.

And Harry, good ol' self-deprecating Harry. He had me arguing with him so much in this book. His sense of heroic honor seems to make him do the dumbest things and aptly illustrates the point in one of my favorite quotes about just how much dumb luck the good guys have. I'm sure I would've been much more annoyed with him if I'd been reading this instead of listening to it because I would've spent a ridiculous amount of time rereading and trying to make sense out of the Harry's madness.

Regardless, I can't help but like the guy, even when I wish I could reach my hands into the book and throttle him while screaming, "Why would you do that?" That means I care about the character. It's only the characters I don't want to suffer so much that I argue with. But I do have to give him credit for the really ingenious things he did do during the course of this story. Also, he half quoted Spider-Man when he went on his "Knowledge is Power. And Power comes with responsibility!" rant. How can I hate a man like that?

Also, I'm glad that Harry was able to understand that he shouldn't withhold information about the supernatural from people like Murphy. They need that information to have a fighting chance. It's not enough to say, "It's dangerous," and leave it at that, especially when Murphy's job is to deal with the unknown. They may not use this information as intended, but he would be giving them the knowledge they need to try to stay alive. I'm not saying that he should spill everything he knows. He knows what's pertinent and what's not. How can he expect anyone, such as Murphy, to truly understand the gravity of the supernatural when he is only giving them half-information?

James Marsters is a wonderful narrator. True, I did balk a little at first, and I'm sorry for that. I was one of those people who got into the series because of the old Syfy show, and it's pretty much branded into my mind that Harry is Paul Blackthorne. Marsters really brought the characters to life for me after we crossed that Blackthorne hurdle. He did his best to give each character a distinct personality and a distinct sound, even the women. I loved the voice, the clipped, immaculate pronunciation, he used for Tera. It was like someone who learned English as a second language and still doesn't understand all the nuances of the English, which I guess that would describe Tera to a "T." I love his Murphy as well.

I heard one glaring mistake, though. When the lycanthropes captured Harry, during that moment when he was goading Parker, he called Parker by Marcone's name. It wasn't dialogue, just Harry's narrating/thinking part. He said, "Instead Marcone spun in his heel, picked up a tire iron, and turned back to me..." He meant Parker spun on his heel. Marcone hadn't even showed up yet at this point. But overall, Marsters' narrating pretty much made this story for me. I've already decided that I'll listen to the rest of the series, except for the book he didn't narrate.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

great story, great narration

Tremendous stuff - though if you are contemplating buying this as your first "Harry Dresden" book, it is important to read the series in order - get "Storm Front" first!

So what's the series about? Science Fantasy meets detective noir, with lots of action, terrific narrative drive, great characters, quirky dialogue, humour - what more can I say?

Perfectly suited for an audiobook as the story is told by the main character, and James Marsters (Spike in TV's Buffy the Vampire Slayer)brings Harry Dresden splendidly to life and captures Jim Butcher'style to perfection.

Strongly recommended.

20 of 20 people found this review helpful

Easy listening

I think I preferred this to book one in the series. Harry's character is definitely gaining some depth, and the story seemed to just gel better than in book one. I understand from other reviewers that the series improves as it goes on.

James Marsters' narration is excellent. Although he doesn't really do different voices for different characters, his presentation is such that you have no doubt as to who is speaking. His voice is very easy to listen to, and his tone, emphasis and ability to impart the character's state of being really adds to the overall enjoyment of this book.

Enjoyed it enough to give the next book in the series a chance....off to download that one now.

10 of 10 people found this review helpful

A great purchase

Excellent reading as always - I could listen to this reader read the phone book out, as he has a lovely voice. He makes an average set of books well worth listening to, and I stick entirely to audio nowadays for this series. Definitely among my favourite purchases.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Something went wrong here.

I've listened to several of Jim Butcher's audio books and really love this series but if I'm being totally honest, you could probably skip this one if you wanted. There is no character progression here, only an idiot claiming to be a detective would miss really important clues or walk into dangerous situations completely unprepared, the way Dresden does in this one. After how well the first story was written, I was left really disappointed.

There are three reasons why you may want to stick with it. While Harry doesn't exactly experience much in the way of personal growth in this story, there are several important developments with his relationships. James Masters is brilliant as always, drawing you in without you even realizing it. His acting ability really brings the characters to life and gives a performance where many narrators provide only a recital. Lastly, the first novel is a really enjoyable listen, I would rate the next novel as five star, so if your expectations aren't too high, you should still enjoy this book as part of the series.

11 of 12 people found this review helpful

A great listen

If you could sum up Fool Moon in three words, what would they be?

A very hard thing to do... Werewolves, Wizards and Mystery.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Obviously, It's Harry... but then it's all about Harry :) But my favourite character is Karrin Murphy, but that's based on the story arc [I'm up to Book 14 Cold Days]. In this she still doesn't 'get' Harry entirely and she's learning about what really lurks in the shadows and how to be taken seriously.

Have you listened to any of James Marsters’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I am biased and I have listened to all 12 of the Harry Dresden audiobooks available on audible and so think James Marsters reading is pretty darn good. I watched him on Buffy, Superman and a few other places he has appeared over the years as well. He gets the tone of the book right, Film Noir twisted with Urban Fantasy. He also makes a good attempt at voicing the characters well, Bob and Harry being particular high notes.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I did laugh quite a bit at Harry, he has a way of getting into scrapes and trying to be the hero and chivalrous all in one.

Any additional comments?

I have read all of the Harry Dresden books and love having them in audio, being able to listen when it suits me is brilliant. I'm on my third round of listening to these books and it's amazing the things I just didn't pick up on before, paths that Harry will be led down in the distant future. Jim does an excellent job writing these books with such detail and care. I just can't wait now for audible to get Ghost Story and Cold Days in audio format now.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Excellent series of books

How to explain? Imagine private eye Philip Marlowe in the Big Sleep and then substitute wizard Harry Dreseden, For the bad guys you have supernatural beasts like Werewolves and Daemons. The narrative of James Masters brings the rough around the edges character of Dresden to life. and the fast paced writing of Jim Butcher keeps your interest in the story. Excellent books, difficult to stop listening - trouble is they're using up all my Audible credits!

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Huge Fan

Fantastic book and James Masters IS the voice of Harry Dresden... Can I have some more please?

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

An Excellent Urban Fantasy Book

The second book in the Dresden Files. It's still not quite perfect but the series really starts to find it's feet here and as I've said before James Marsters is perfect as Harry.



This book introduces a few new characters who become very important throughout the series and it's spin offs (one of them is the author of the roleplaying game) and helps to strengthen relationships between characters we already know.



Although not one of my favourite in the series there are a few particular scenes that really define the series and certain characters for the future - the police station scene for one as well as the scene in the pit with Marcone both spring to mind.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

good book good reading

a good book, not butchers best, but as its his early work its ok. the same can be said for Jmaes Marsters acting of Dresden, its good, but his later books are better.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Same same but different

Felt very similar to the first book. Dresden getting in over his head with [insert mythical beast of choice here] but who should he trust and then coming through somehow. Having said that it was still enjoyable to listen to.

Solid performance, enjoyable story and I will get onto the third book at some point.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful