Jim Butcher's Codex Alera

[ShannonA]

I'm a big fan of Butcher thanks to his Dresden Files, which are the only modern fantasy that I've continued reading which has yet to disappoint. However, I've also been pleasantly surprised by the Codex Alera books, the third of which I just finished reading last night.

In some ways they're standard fantasy fare, except everyone in the world has access to elemental powers, with the result being more like super-heroic fantasy. Add that on to the superb characterization that Butcher shows off in all his books, and you have another classic.

I thought the first book a little slow, but I've enjoyed each additional one more and more. In particular the battle scenes in the last two have been amazingly exciting and evocative.

[Anaka]

I really put off picking up his Codex books. I've been just done with anything that smacked of standard fantasy for a really long time. I read the first one at a friend's behest, though, and I've found that I'm looking forward to them more than I do to the Dresden books. Butcher is a surprisingly good author, and I really enjoy what he's done with these.

[ShannonA]

There's only two pieces of standard fantasy that I've really enjoyed in the last decade or so: the Codex Alera and the Song of Fire and Ice. Alera is nowhere as good as Martin's book, but nonetheless it's fun, fast reading, and it does future some mysteries that I'm enjoying seeing being slowly revealed.

[ChristopherA]

In some ways they're standard fantasy fare, except everyone in the world has access to elemental powers, with the result being more like super-heroic fantasy. Add that on to the superb characterization that Butcher shows off in all his books, and you have another classic.

I have read the Codex books, and find them above average, but not superior. Whereas I find the Dresden books (not the TV show) to be best-of-class.

I agree that the elemental powers are relatively original (though I've seen others fantasy magic systems that are close), but I'm not feeling near the same dynamic of characterization that the Dresden books have reached. I also have yet to find anything really that original in any of the book plots or the multi-book metaplot that I really feel breaks any new ground.

I'll have to go through my fantasy books to find my top 10 favorites that I like and share them with you. I know that among them would be some of Robin Hobb, which I know that you have read.

-- Christopher Allen

[ShannonA]

I have read the Codex books, and find them above average, but not superior. Whereas I find the Dresden books (not the TV show) to be best-of-class.

I'd agree that Dresden is best-of-class and Codex is not.

I'll have to go through my fantasy books to find my top 10 favorites that I like and share them with you. I know that among them would be some of Robin Hobb, which I know that you have read.

I was just thinking about checking the three Shaggy Man books out from the library, so if you have those, definitely bring them by.

[Jack]

I really am enjoying the second book, though my wife has read the third. I think Butcher's ability to build a cast is the best thing about them, and there are a lot of good things there.

[ShannonA]

I really am enjoying the second book, though my wife has read the third. I think Butcher's ability to build a cast is a best thing about them, and there are a lot of good things there.

Yep, that's what I've increasingly found with Alera. The first Dresden book left me a little cold too, but in both series I've liked them more the better I know the cast, as the books go on.