The Autumnlands: Tooth and Claw Vol. 1 by Kurt Busiek & Benjamin Dewey

Goodreads Synopsis:
The debut collection of the hit epic-fantasy series. When the wizards of the Autumnlands reach through time to bring back a legendary hero, they don't get the savior they expected. But in a shattered, besieged city, he's their only hope of survival—and possibly their entire world's, as well.

My Review:
Volume 1 was awesome. The storyline, written by Kurt Busiek, is intriguing, even more so the characters. And the artwork, by Benjamin Dewey, is powerful. Color and motion drive the story forward visually and the plot will leave you wanting to read the next one. I'll keep the review short since you'd probably rather see artwork from the book. There are currently 2 trade paperback volumes available. I'll have to buy the second one soon.

Kurt Busiek's other work: Astro City, Avengers, Conan & more

If you fall in love with the artwork, you can see more of Benjamin Dewey's work in the "Tragedy Series" and "I Was the Cat."

The Secret of Excalibur by Andy McDermott

Book Synopsis from Goodreads:
Excalibur . . . Legend has it that he who carries King Arthur’s mighty sword into battle will be invincible. But for more than a thousand years, the secret to the whereabouts of this powerful weapon has been lost . . . until now.

Archaeologist Nina Wilde is hoping for a little R&R with her fiancé, former SAS bodyguard Eddie Chase. But the couple’s plans are dashed when a meeting with an old acquaintance propels Nina and Eddie into a razor’s-edge hunt across the globe—battling a team of elite mercenaries who will stop at nothing in order to claim a prize every treasure hunter has coveted since the final days of Camelot. Nina and Eddie must do everything they can to keep the legendary blade from falling into the wrong hands. Because the truth behind the sword’s power—and those who seek it—will not only shock the world but plunge it into a new and more devastating era of war.

My Thoughts:
Soooooo....I couldn't finish this book. I tried, I really did. I don't usually read books like this but I gave it a try in hopes that the Arthurian legend/history would keep my attention. Unfortunately, half way through and there wasn't that much legend or history. But there was action sequence after action sequence! So much that it started to drown out any chance of character development. Oh well. I think the chips were stacked against me because I don't read much from this genre. I think someone who does read a lot of books in this genre would probably enjoy it. So if you like books where action scenes dominate give it a try. 

Changes by Jim Butcher

Book synopsis from Goodreads: Long ago, Susan Rodriguez was Harry Dresden's lover—until she was attacked by his enemies, leaving her torn between her own humanity and the bloodlust of the vampiric Red Court. Susan then disappeared to South America, where she could fight both her savage gift and those who cursed her with it.

Now Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court, has discovered a secret Susan has long kept, and she plans to use it—against Harry. To prevail this time, he may have no choice but to embrace the raging fury of his own untapped dark power. Because Harry's not fighting to save the world...

He's fighting to save his--------DELETED FOR SPOILERS!

My Thoughts: This series has come a long way. This is not your typical fantasy/mystery. There is enough quirkiness to make it entirely unique and entertaining. The mysteries are good, but as the series progressed I became more interested in what was happening with and between the characters. There are some highly enjoyable elements in the Dresden Files. First and foremost...Harry Dresden. Think: Present day Chicago & Harry Potter all grown up and jaded with a really smart ass attitude. He's even in the Yellow Pages as Wizard for Hire. He's funny, he's gallant, and downright bad ass, but more than anything he's relatable. He's your average guy except he can blow shit up with his mind.

             And the side characters are just as good. Bob (the talking skull with an ancient spirit inside who is kind of pervy and loves to read dirty romances), Mouse (Harry's temple dog who's coolness I can't even begin to describe), Butters (the sad but adorable polka player that works at a mortuary) and Karrin Murphy (the toughest tiniest blonde cop that is just as impressive as Dresden but without magic). That's just a start. I'm leaving out a bunch more for the sake of your time. That being said, the first book in the series was good but not great. Just stick with it. It gets better and then it gets BETTER. Like in this one. Major life-changers happen in "Changes" #12. In fact, I had to immediately start the next one, "Ghost Story" because of the cliffhanger at the end of "Changes." And "Ghost Story" is now blowing my mind. 

            

            The writing is simple, but descriptive. Where Jim Butcher shines is in his action scenes and the personal back-and-forths between his characters. Those dynamics are what make this series one to read. 

Author Tidbit: Jim Butcher's love of science fiction and fantasy was kick-started by his sisters buying him "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Hans Solo Adventures" to read while he was sick with strep throat.

The Author