This week we tackle Chapters 13 and 14, which contains the first fight scene in the series, along with the first use of combat magic! Adam discuses the setup of the fight, while Brian discusses the conjugations of Latin nouns. Of course, we also find some time to discuss the fight with the Toad Demon, itself.

Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What makes for a great fight scene in The Dresden Files?

• (00:00) - Intro
• (03:12) - Ch. 13 - How much has he changed?
• (09:52) - Setting Up the Fight
• (22:10) - The Fight With the Toad Demon
• (30:49) - Chaos in the Basement
• (38:05) - Ch. 14 - Into the Storm
• (48:33) - Inventing Magic on the Fly
• (58:37) - QFB - What Makes a Great Fight Scene?

This week we're covering Storm Front chapters 10, 11, and 12. In these chapters, Harry follows up on some leads, gets a concussion, ruminates on the case with Murphy, and passes out. Brian and Adam dig in to the interesting questions these chapters present. Why did Linda Randall change her mind about talking to Dresden? Why was the Three-Eye junkie able to see the Walkers? When and why did Victor decide to kill Linda and Harry?

Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: What changes (mentally) when a half-Rampire goes full red-court?

• (00:00) - Intro
• (02:29) - Ch. 10 - Making Calls
• (08:27) - Harry's First Concussion?
• (14:23) - Ch. 11 - Harry Reports to Murphy
• (27:00) - Ch. 12 - Why does Linda Change Her Mind?
• (37:06) - QfB: What happens to the mind when Rampire takes over?

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?

In this episode, Adam and Brian delve into chapters two and three of 'Stormfront' from the Dresden Files series. The discussion highlights Harry's observational skills, his interactions with law enforcement, and the moral complexities surrounding his interactions with characters like Marcon. The episode also touches on themes of sexism, leadership, and the implications of crime in a supernatural context.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (00:45) - Arriving at the Madison
• (11:03) - Arriving in the Room
• (16:46) - Harry's Sexism
• (26:50) - Murphy's Leadership Acumen
• (34:01) - Murphy's Belief in the Supernatural
• (46:36) - First Impressions: Meeting Marcon
• (01:11:20) - Question for Bob: Is Marcone better than the alternative?

Storm Front - Chapter 1

In this episode of Recorded Neutral Territory, we explore the characterization of Harry Dresden, the noir tone of the narrative, and the public perception of the supernatural. The discussion highlights Harry's unique identity as a wizard, his relationship with technology, and his moral compass. The episode concludes with a thought-provoking question about Harry's wizardry and the implications of proving his abilities to others.

• (00:00) - Intro
• (00:40) - Exploring Harry's Detective Skills
• (03:08) - The Noir Tone and Harry's Optimism
• (07:03) - Harry's Identity and Public Perception
• (12:48) - The Power of Names
• (18:53) - Public Awareness (or Lack Thereof)
• (28:56) - Characterization and Morality in Magic
• (40:06) - The Dynamic Between Dresden and Murphy
• (48:10) - Chapter One Reflection: Setting the Stage
• (48:10) - Questions for Bob: Proving Harry's Wizardry
• (59:07) - Next Week's QFB: Is Marcone Better Than The Alternative?

This week we're exploring chapters 15, 16, and 17. Harry is at his lowest point, blaming himself for Linda's death, lying to Murphy, and then, having his hair stolen by one of Marcone's thugs! The final chapter of this episode examines the first time we see a wizard going 'all out', as Harry blasts his way into the Varsity to confront Marcone.

Finally, we dive into our question for Bob this week: Why don't we see Thaumaturgy used more against Dresden?

• (00:00) - Intro
• (02:56) - Ch. 15 - From Murphy's Perspective
• (19:04) - Is Harry Justified In Lying to Murphy?
• (25:50) - Ch. 16 - Gimpy steals Harry's Hair
• (31:12) - Ch. 17 - A First Impression
• (39:58) - Marcone's Reaction
• (52:17) - QfB: Why not more offensive thaumaturgy?