This week we explore chapters 8 and 9 of Storm Front; asking questions like: "Why do potions get phased out of the series?" and "What limitations does Bob have with regard to Harry's control?" We also spend some time exploring Murphy's flaw in this early book before moving on to one of the most impactful scenes in the series: Harry's first confrontation with Bianca.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (05:27) - Chapter 8: Why No More Potions?
• (09:56) - Meeting Bob
• (19:09) - Bob is an "Artifact" Tier Magic Item
• (25:50) - Chapter 9: In Defense of Murphy
• (37:09) - A Wizard's Best Tool: Preperation
• (47:01) - Encountering Bianca
• (52:47) - Exploring Bianca's Mindset
• (59:44) - QfB: Is The Doom of Damocles The Best Option?
• (01:18:27) - Next Week's Question for Bob

In this episode, Adam and Brian delve into chapters six and seven of Storm Front. They explore the intricacies of Dresden's investigations, the introduction of magic, and the moral implications of character actions, particularly focusing on Monica Sells. The discussion also touches on the fourth law of magic and the concept of the Doom of Damocles, providing insights into character motivations and ethical dilemmas within the narrative.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (01:04) - Chapter Six - Victor's Lake House
• (05:24) - Circle Theory
• (11:41) - Toot Toot & Faery Bargains
• (18:44) - Fairies and Their Love for Pizza
• (25:42) - The Man with the Naked Sword
• (30:13) - "I react badly to fear"
• (34:58) - Morgan's Motivation
• (45:38) - Morgan's Investigation
• (52:35) - Question for Bob: Is Monica Sells Morally Culpable?
• (01:06:42) - Next Week's QfB: Is there a better system than Doom of Damocles?

During the chapter discussion, we examine Monica Sells and her case, followed by our introduction to McAnally's and Susan Rodriguez.

This conversation delves into the themes of noir literature and its influence on the Dresden Files series. We then explore the distinctions between noir and hard-boiled tropes, analyze the character of Harry Dresden, and discuss the evolution of the series over time. We also consider how the noir elements are balanced within the long-form storytelling of the series, highlighting the complexities of character morality and the narrative structure.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (01:39) - Ch. 4: Monica Sells
• (10:18) - Taking the Case
• (23:26) - Ch. 5 McAnally's Pub
• (28:17) - Writing Efficiency and Misdirection
• (32:55) - Introducing: Susan Rodriguez
• (43:37) - Dresden's Idealism and Corruption
• (48:18) - QfB: How Noir are the Dresden Files?