I didn't mind the cliffhanger and I think her tension level is so high in each story that if they were one very long book I'd be burnt out before long. I thought she chose the right place to end the last, although I was groaning and already planning the next purchase when it released.

And what Moning has done similar to Harrison is make a fairly complex three dimensional female character who you really want to understand and know better. She's not fallen into stereotypes even when the heroine becomes tough, kick-ass and warrior-like.

My only complaint about Darkfever, was it was a major cliffhanger type ending. It was like the story wasn't meant to be 3 books, and the author just arbitrarily split it up. "*boom* that's all for now folks" I was somewhat annoyed.

Karen Marie Moning's "Fever" series is amazing. Never actually thought I'd enjoy reading about the Fae that much but it's almost got me obsessed with the damn books!
Just to make it a wee bit better you can download the first book "Darkfever" for free from her website.
Decent 300 or so page book for free?
Yes please!

Thanks for the suggestions Theresa :D

I, too, love the world and characters that Kim Harrison has created. Here are the series that I found after hers that are similiar in world-building and character-building from story-to-story:

Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Other World series
Rachel Caine's Morganville Vampire series (YA)
Karen Chance's Cassandra Palmer series and spin-off series, Dorina Basarab
Ilona Andrews's Kate Daniels series
Eileen Wilks's World of the Lupi series
Patricia Briggs's Mercy Thompson series

I am not too worried about Harrison's series, as so far the books keep getting better.. Of course, since we all view what is *good and bad* differently the interpretation of her series will vary quite a bit.

But at this moment in time and having read all but White Witch, Black Curse (only because I am waiting on the paperback), I can't get enough of Rachel Morgan and her world.

In my opinion this author has created something so interesting and so action filled and just so wonderful to read that other books pale in comparison. Which is why I made the post, as I am having trouble finding other things to read that live up to what Harrison has created in this series.

No, I don't need exactly the same characters or species in a book.. but I DO need what she has created.. which is the excitement, the wonderful characters, the awesome character building (and changing), the awesome world building (and changing) and the non-stop action.

These things, all together, I find very hard to come by in a book.
Maybe I am not looking in the right places - and I hope that is the case hehe.
But either way, as mentioned above, these are the reasons I made this post :) So that you fine people can educate me on whats out there that meet the criteria.

I don't see the difference between a series and a serial. Case in point is PD James' mystery series (at one point she had two different ones going). In the end she decided to tie up the threads of her main character's lives before she died, but there was no real reason she had to do that. Which of your two terms would you put on that set of books?

The real difference between an open ended series and one with a major arc plot that is driving the whole thing is that if the author dies, or refuses to write the next book, in the major arc plot series he leaves his readers with a lot of anger and bad feelings. With an open ended series you might really, really want that next book, but you can wait to enjoy it until next year or the year after without being angry at the author.

Hi Everyone,

I realized that there is a difference between a series (like Saberhagen's Dracula) and a serial (Like The Morganville Vampires). The difference is that a serial is like one story that never ends. Different people and situations can come in, but the story keeps going on.

There a two problems with this, either the author dies before the serial ends (as already mentioned) or the author is unable to maintain the quality of the serial and the reader looses interest.

As far as genres, I have no boundaries except for things like math theory or pure science. But as freakonomics proved to me, never say never.

Thank you for the suggestions :)

I am open to any genre, though I used to be a lot more picker but lately I have been reading outside of my normal comfort zone and I have been loving it! :D

Thanks for this thread. I absolutely love this series. My second favorite series ever. I really do not know anything about book genres, I just read. So, I am going to throw out some book series and will try and keep them somewhere close to the fantasy realm. Also, this is my first post on Goodreads, so hopefully these are new recommendations and I am not just an idiot. If you want to help out my genre knowledge, just let me know where they go...

My favorite series ever: The Dark Tower series by Stephen King
The Dracula Series by Fred Saberhagen
Savannah Vampire Chronicles by Raven Hart
Undead series by MaryJanice Davidson

Also, though entirely unrelated, any book by Christopher Moore. I really like A Dirty Job and The Stupidest Angel.

Yeah.. though ya know I am really not giving up on that relationship :P

I want them to get together.. and I think perhaps something can be written to make it work. Hell no one knew any of them existed.. and look there are what? 4 or 5 that I can think of.

Imagine finding more in the future later on.. then they would be better off to start a relationship.

Though who knows what she will write in the future.. any outcome really I am open for, I love all of the characters that much.

I love Trent too. And at one point I wanted Trent and Rachel to get together, but both the witches and the elves have reproduction issues, so I doubt if that will happen. Trent needs someone who is strong enough to deal with his "I'm the king of the world" attitude. And Rachel is so not impressed with that part of him.

I agree Starling, Al and Rachel's relationship has grown and become something very interesting to read.

I am super impressed with her character and world building and that she has incorporated so many people into Rachel's world but it isn't confusing.

There are authors who try to put so much crap in their books that the readers get lost and then uninterested, and Harrison does a splendid job with this series about that.

It's one of the reasons I am in love with it. And call me crazy but I ADORE Trent lol. I know he is a bit on the evil side but I just like him a lot.

Trying to find another series to even remotely live up to what Harrison has created has been hard indeed lol.

I try not to compare, I really do.. but it's so hard when I am so stuck on this series lol

This thread stopped being about Rachel Morgan on the second post. <grin> So back to basics...

I like this book and I've liked Rachel from the first book. First of all this is an open ended Urban Fantasy series and I like those a lot. I think the author has an intention of positioning Rachel so she will change the world, but she hasn't gotten us so tied in knots over it that we can't enjoy each book as it comes out.

I won't read a "save the universe" series, especially ones with cliff hanger endings, until the last book is out. And I'm generally pretty underwhelmed with the save the universe ending once we get it. So I'm really glad this isn't one of those series.

I tend to read all of these books for the Universe building, but I have to admit that I like the main characters in this series, including Al the demon. I'm not quite sure where Rachel's relationship with Al is going, but I think he is her "dad" in that world. And that, in itself, is an interesting concept.

Michelle, I love that there is too much out there to read. At one point I knew I'd read every "vampire" book out there. <grin>

I don't think you're alone in not having a clue about the categories anymore, Starling. But in a way that's a fantastic thing. There's so much room for so many unique stories. Makes it kind of hard to organize on readers boards, however (grin).

OK, I've got it.

I agree with you about Jacqueline Carey. Love everything that woman has written that I've read. But I didn't even know some of the stuff she has been doing. I don't know Joey Hill. I'll have a look, but right now I've gotten involved with so many new authors and new books, thanks to GoodReads in general, that I don't know if I've got room on my plate for even more.

I'll also agree that both LHK and Carey are writing similar genres in many ways, although the books are nothing alike.

Until I came to GoodReads I just lumped all paranormal books into a single category. In my mind the "category" was paranormal elements but not horror. Now, don't have a clue. <grin>

Oops, Starling. I got distracted by the paranormal thriller question. Sorry. In general I was thinking about some of the most well written romantic erotic novels I've read with paranormal elements, although this isn't the forum for those types of books I don't think. Joey Hill's paranormals come to mind. But I think I was also referring to regular fantasy like Jacqueline Carey's where there are beautifully treated issues around sexuality that also have something to do with the character's development (Naamah's Kiss does this particularly). Although to give her credit, the general worldbuilding LHK does is very inspiring. I love worldbuilding. So perhaps I was wrong to the use the world "category" as much as other books that use the device of sexual issues and relationships. Sorry for the sloppy use of my words.

Michelle, you are entitled to not like Hamilton's books. But, I really would like an answer to the question. What category did you mean in the sentence:

...but I've read other books that fit that category much better and with more skill.?

Its ok Amy I appreciate the suggestions :D

Thank you guys!

*Morganville Vampire (YA) series by Rachel Caine starting with Glass Houses. There are many cliffhanger endings in this series so be prepared.
*Study (YA) trilogy by Maria V Snyder starting with Poison Study.
*Sabina Kane series by Jaye Wells starting with Red-Headed Stepchild.
*Pretty series by Rhiannon Frater starting with Pretty When She Dies.
*Karen Chance has a spin-off from the Cassandra Palmer series - the Dorina Basarab series starting with Midnight's Daughter.
*Tales of an Urban Werewolf series by Karen MacInerney starting with Howling at the Moon.

That's all I can think of at the moment. Normally I would add the links but I am not at home, sorry about that.

Oh, I seen the name but I assumed it was the same as the underworld series.

I did like book 3 and 4 of that series.. was not too fond of 1 or 2 (the underworld series).

Its really weird how she sets everything up and how the series changes from book to book.

I will have to check out the trilogy, thanks :)

I know she's been mentioned all ready but Kelley Armstrong's YA Darkest Powers (aka Chloe Saunders) series set in the same universe as Women of the Otherworld, it's one story in three parts (a trilogy) starting with The Summoning, then The Awakening and finally The Reckoning which comes out next year, I can't wait.

So.. anyone have any more suggestions of books that are similar in style to the Rachel Morgan series? :)

Starling wrote: "Michelle, what category?

LKH says she doesn't write Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance. She says what she is writing is Paranormal Thrillers. Who is writing Paranormal Thrillers that is doing it ..."

I think defining the exact name of what she's writing is a bit beside the point. If someone threw the label paranormal thriller at me, I wouldn't think of her books first. I might think of Karen Marie Moning's series, which is excellent and which she plans to actually conclude. The defining characteristic of a thriller would not be the exploration of the ardeur, her self-definition in face of it, or generally the constant sex. Skin trade had more plot, and for that I'm appreciative, but I think the characters have grown stale. She had to take a break from her heroes for just that reason. And since characterization in my mind is almost the most important part of a story, she doesn't work for me anymore.

Michelle, what category?

LKH says she doesn't write Urban Fantasy or Paranormal Romance. She says what she is writing is Paranormal Thrillers. Who is writing Paranormal Thrillers that is doing it better?

I suppose Skin Trade was better, but I still don't see it being like the early days. You have to be an incredibly talented author to pull off such a long series. I'd never even try it. I think authors like Kim Harrison, who is sublimely intelligent, might be able to do it. Although the Rachel Morgan series isn't as long as yet as Anita's. My opinion is that Hamilton should work toward ending the series. I don't mind sex in books, and appreciate the commentary about the nature of relationships that she might be making, but I've read other books that fit that category much better and with more skill.

Melodie, I thought Skin Trade was better than the last few books and made me think that it could get even better now that... **SPOILER WARNING**... Anita can feed off anger, she just needs to hang out at some customer service departments or prisons where she can get her fill!

♥Tricia♥ wrote: "I really dig the Anita series, I mean there is SOOO much going on (even when the sex is on the heavy side) that it really doesn't overshadow the story.. I mean the sex is a huge part of the story and there is a reason. I think that's why it doesn't bother me as much as the *grunt - me man you woman we fornicate - grunt* thing. lol
."

I tend to agree with Julia. Anita is nothing like the kick-ass executioner she was in the early books. The "ardeur" has come completely to the forefront and the plots have gotten completely lost to me. Instead of great stories they read like Penthouse Forum to me. I loved the series for the longest time and even gave the new one (Skin Trade?) a shot because it sounded like it might be like the old books. It wasn't.

No I just meant the story progressed and there was a reason. Whether you agreed and liked it or not is a totally different issue.

I think thats why I personally like the Anita storyline and dont mind the sex so much.

It's just when I start out to read a new story, I want some substance. I don't mind sex but there has to be a reason and the characters have to be developed for me to see it as believable.

I am getting to where I am just reading Fiction and UF so I can get away from the bad sex crap that's out there.

Tricia wrote: I really dig the Anita series... *grunt - me man you woman we fornicate - grunt* thing.

No, I think (thought), for I gave up several books ago in the Anita series, and I never started in the Merry series. It's more *grunt - me woman you man we fornicate, then fornicate with several others, and then several more so I have energy to eat dinner - grunt*

Anita started off this series as a young woman who was prim and proper and full of guilt about sexual thoughts. She went to confession, didn't she? For me, she's changed too much from the character she was at the beginning. So I no longer follow Anita Blake, and that's alright, I've got a lot of series I do still follow...

Enjee wrote: "The books by Karen Chance are good, too.
The first - Touch the Dark - has lots of back story. The rest get better. This series has mages, vamps, Fey, clairvoyants and other magic users.

There i..."

OOoooh that sounds right up my alley :D

I want to thank you guys for such wonderful suggestions and conversation :D I am slowly getting out of this stuck phase and appreciate all of the help I can get :)

Shomeret wrote: "Starling wrote: "One thing about the Laurell K Hamilton books, both Anita and Merry, the plot IS about the power of sex. I object to them being called porn. I've read porn and these books are not p..."

I really dig the Anita series, I mean there is SOOO much going on (even when the sex is on the heavy side) that it really doesn't overshadow the story.. I mean the sex is a huge part of the story and there is a reason. I think that's why it doesn't bother me as much as the *grunt - me man you woman we fornicate - grunt* thing. lol

The books by Karen Chance are good, too.
The first - Touch the Dark - has lots of back story. The rest get better. This series has mages, vamps, Fey, clairvoyants and other magic users.

There is some sex, but it fits with the story. It is not a romance series.

Starling wrote: "One thing about the Laurell K Hamilton books, both Anita and Merry, the plot IS about the power of sex. I object to them being called porn. I've read porn and these books are not porn. There always..."

I agree with you about sex in Anita Blake. There's a good deal more involved there than sex. LKH is dealing with relationships and balancing commitments. The characters talk about what they are or aren't getting out of a relationship. This never happens in porn or erotica, and it may be uncomfortable reading for some because the concept of relationships is outside of all the usual categories.

Thanks Starling :D I totally agree with you about Hamilton and her books.

One thing about the Laurell K Hamilton books, both Anita and Merry, the plot IS about the power of sex. I object to them being called porn. I've read porn and these books are not porn. There always is a plot. The characters are always interesting and neither of those things happen in porn.

It can be too much sex for some people, and I understand and respect that, but for some reason this author has attracted ex-fans who hate her, and a lot of people see what those ex-fans have written and repeat it.

For authors who already have a bunch of books out that I've loved I'd like to second Carrie Vaughn, Illona Andrews, and Patricia Briggs. I also love everything Charlaine Harris has written that I've read so far, both paranormal and straight mystery.

Woo Thanks Melissa!

I, too, am in love with the Rachel Morgan series so here are some of my UF faves in hopes that we have similar taste.

I highly recommend the Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews. Magic Bites, Magic Burns, Magic Strikes. The first book is major world building and intro to all characters. They get better and better as the series progresses.

I love the Cal Leandros series by Rob Thurman. Cannot get enough of these characters. Lots and lots of action. Nightlife,Moonshine,Madhouse,Deathwish.

Lilith Saintcrow's Dante Valentine series is high on my list. I've only actually read the first two because I was waiting for the rest of the five book series to come out. I'm planning on reading all five books next. I was hooked and in love from page one and it was hard after book two to get caught up in the series just to wait forever for the next book. Lots of demons and action in these.Working for the Devil,

Another series that I would recommend having each new book ready is the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning. The final book in the series won't be out until fall of 2010, though. Each book ends on a massive cliffhanger and it's been painful to wait!Darkfever

I LOVED Laurell K. Hamilton's Merry Gentry series. Those are hard to wait for too!

I liked C.E. Murphy's Negotiator series with the gargoyles and vamps, but the Walker Papers aren't keeping my attention. I've read the first two of those only and I'm not sure I'll read the rest.

I love Briggs too. Mercy Thompson series is fantastic.

A sort of historical Buffy the Vampire slayer series is the Gardella Vampire Chronicles by Colleen Gleason. I loved each of these books. There are five and they are all out and the series is finished.The Rest Falls Away

I haven't heard any talk about Phaedra Weldon's Zoe Martinque books. I loved these books. They are pretty detailed with the world building. Lots of dark humor.Wraith,Spectre,Phantasm

I will definitely be following this thread for recommendations for me, too!

Oooh I never heard of Carrie Vaughn or C.E. Murphy or Seanan McGuire.

I will definately look into those, thank you for the suggestions :D

I have read the Anita Blake series, I loved them all (cept for the last one)
I really don't mind sex in those series.. as there is a lot of other stuff going on that it doesnt overshadow the story. At least, thats how I felt about them. I know that series can be a hot debate about that sorta thing hehe

The first 4 or 5 Anita Blake books (Laurell K Hamilton) are really good. After that they decline heavily into more erotica than UF or even PR.

The Kitty Norville books by Carrie Vaughn are good. I hated the first one. I think I 2 starred it! But the rest of them are SOOOOO much better.

Kim Harrison is one of my fav UF authors too. Others I really like are:
Kelley Armstrong and her Women of the Otherworld series
Carrie Vaughn and her Kitty Norville series
Yasmine Galenorn and her Sisters of the Moon series
C.E. Murphy and her Walker Papers series
Jim Butcher and his Harry Dresden series
Seanan McGuire's Rosemary and Rue

Starling I know what you mean, when you read a PR series it usually ends up as the same book rewritten in a different way, each with a HEA.

The one series like that, that I have been very fond of is the Dark-Hunters and that's because Kenyon is an awesome story teller and there is SO much storyline involved and so much going on that she makes them each interesting.


I have read the Night Huntress series (awesome series!)
Kelley Armstrong's series is a hit or miss.. I didnt like the first two but did like 3 and 4 lol. I will check her out again.

Briggs, I adore her I have read that series.

I probably should have put what I have read right? oops!

I havent tried the sookie books yet, I been hearing a lot of good and some bad.. especially now that the *tv show* has been out for a little while.

I have never heard of Jennifer Rardin so I will definately check her out!

Thank you for the suggestions, I really appreciate it :D

If anyone else has any more suggestions keep em coming please :D

Trisha I, too, prefer Urban Fantasy to Paranormal Romance, at least as I've seen them defined on GoodReads. It isn't that I don't like the HEA because most of the Urban Fantasy series are heading towards a HEA at some point anyway.

I prefer not to have to focus on a new couple in each book of the series. I dislike that in many of the series out there the couples are cookie cutter, mainly because of how the universe they are living in define male and female roles. I do read some historical romance series with new couples in each book, but the authors of those series seem to handle the basic problem better than the paranormal authors do.

Jeanienne Frost's "Night Huntress" series
Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files" series (beware, the first book is the weakest in the series, and these are best enjoyed in order)
Kelley Armstrong's "Otherworld" books (All are in the same universe, but the focus in each book isn't necessarily on the same characters)
Patricia Briggs's "Mercy Thompson" & "Alpha & Omega" Series
Jennifer Rardin's "Jaz Parks"
Charlaine Harris's "Southern Vampire" books

Ok so I am absolutely in love with the Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison.

So much so that I am finding other books hugely lacking. I normally read Paranormal Romance but ever since delving into the UF world I am finding that I just love the genre a whole lot more then PR.

So now I am having troubles finding anything that can even compare to Harrison's books.

Any suggestions? Sex in the books is ok, as long as they do not overshadow the story. No sex is ok too, as long as the story is solid and can do without the romantic interest.

Thanks!