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Best Paranormal/Urban Fantasy Books
Add and Vote for those you think are the best books in the Paranormal/Urban Fantasy genre.
If the book is part of a series, please only vote for the first book.
If the book is part of a series, please only vote for the first book.
1,759 books ·
4,579 voters ·
list created July 26th, 2008
by Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~ (votes) .
Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~
1015 books
122 friends
122 friends
Ellenjsmellen
1000 books
4584 friends
4584 friends
Auntee
4933 books
1557 friends
1557 friends
Kataury
1296 books
315 friends
315 friends
Ranata
674 books
559 friends
559 friends
Anita
3531 books
5 friends
5 friends
Susanne
821 books
60 friends
60 friends
Mojca
6166 books
375 friends
375 friends
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Comments Showing 1-43 of 43 (43 new)
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Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~
(last edited Aug 07, 2008 06:25PM)
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Aug 07, 2008 06:24PM
Why do people put more than one book from the same author?
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Because that author provides just the right combination to strike a continual cord in us. If the bell is struck hard enough, we want more. Like craving chocolate.Morgan
Can any one tell me...are there any other authors like Jim Butcher? I like the paranormal. I can do without the romance.
The dearth of votes for Charles DeLint is mind boggling and depressing.
Alleycatfan wrote: "Can any one tell me...are there any other authors like Jim Butcher? I like the paranormal. I can do without the romance."I'd go with Simon Green. He's the closest I've found so far.
Morgan wrote: "Because that author provides just the right combination to strike a continual cord in us. If the bell is struck hard enough, we want more. Like craving chocolate.Morgan"
That's understandable but It says author which means just one book is needed. Now if that person has more than one series than fine but only one book from the same series is sufficient.
what is twilight doing on here???? its not fantasy....
Alleycatfan wrote: "Can any one tell me...are there any other authors like Jim Butcher? I like the paranormal. I can do without the romance."Briggs has a romance going, but it doesn't rule the plot and I am on book #3 and no sex yet...I agree with you by the way this genre should not turn into "trash".
Jenn{bLiNk-182 LuVa!!!!} wrote: "what is twilight doing on here???? its not fantasy...."Not to be one defending Twilight, but it is. Where else do sparkly vampires belong, but in fictional realms? The majority of the plot may be based on romance but that doesn't stop it belonging to other genres as well.
And if you think vampires don't belong in fantasy then you'd have to cut out half the books on this list. Vampire Academy, Anne Rice, House of Night... It goes on.
I met patricia Briggs at a SF convention, and she got me started on urban fantasy. Thanks for this long list of books to read!
I'd say twilight isn't fantasy either. It has fantasy elements, but first and foremost it's a romance. Edward and Jacob could just as easily be members of rival gangs as a vampire and werewolf.
Alleycatfan wrote: "Can any one tell me...are there any other authors like Jim Butcher? I like the paranormal. I can do without the romance."Patricia Briggs is really good. She's probably #2 on my urban fantasy series list. The Mercy Thompson series has sexual/romantic tension in the same vein as the Dresden Files, but nothing like Anita Blake, etc. It's an excellent series. Also working on the Greywalker series, which seems to have little bodice-ripping. Also try Nancy A. Collins' Sonja Blue novels - but only if you're okay with horror. She is... intense.
*edited 9/8/11: I have forsaken Patricia Briggs since I read RIVER MARKED. The book was... a crushing disappointment.
Alleycatfan, for exciting non-romancy urban fantasy, you could try Carey, Mike The Devil You Know
Connolly, Harry Child of Fire
Connolly, Harry Game of Cages
Kadrey, Richard Sandman Slim
Ellis, Warren Crooked Little Vein
Cacek Patricia Canyons
Cacek Patricia Night Prayers
Gottlieb, Sherry Love Bite
Huff Tanya 1-Blood Price
Huston, Charlie Already Dead
Hunter, Faith Skinwalker
Lewis, J F Staked
Lima Maria Matters of the Blood
Lukyanenko, Sergei Night Watch
Martinez, A Lee Gil's All Fright Diner
Martinez, A Lee The Automatic Detective
Rardin, Jennifer Once Bitten, Twice Shy
Richardson, Kat Greywalker
Rowland, Diana Mark of the Demon
Sagara West, Michelle Cast in Shadow
Simmons, William Mark 1-One Foot in the Grave
Taylor, Karen E The Vampire Vivienne
Troop Alan The Dragon delaSangre
Vaughn, Carrie Kitty and the Midnight Hour,
Williams, Liz The Snake Agent
New addition to awesome UF author list: Rob Thurman. I'm a third of the way into Nightlife (first Cal Leandros) and I'm super impressed. Narrator reminds me of what Harry Dresden would sound like as a petulant teenager, and that's very pleasing. I'll definitely be picking up the rest of the series when cash allows.
Alleycatfan wrote: "Can any one tell me...are there any other authors like Jim Butcher? I like the paranormal. I can do without the romance.""Sandman Slim" by Richard Kadrey
It was really good and reminded me a lot of The Dresden Files.
Holy crap. Sandman Slim rocks my face so, so hard.
Why in the hell is the Mortal instruments on this list? its a list for best Author, not incest love scenes.
Marty ;) wrote: "Why in the hell is the Mortal instruments on this list? its a list for best Author, not incest love scenes."Wow, I didn't get far in those books-too cliche' and I didn't like the pacing...and now you say there is incest love scenes in them...sooo glad I didn't continue reading them
yeah, i think Twilight don't belong here too. it's first and foremost a romance (it didn't even reach that, thought) not a PNR or an UB.
yeah, i think Twilight don't belong here too. it's first and foremost a romance (it didn't even reach that, though) not a PNR or an UB.
Why is The Secret Life of Bees on here? It's not a paranormal book.
Jael ~ *~ Syhren ~* ~ wrote: "Why do people put more than one book from the same author?"ikr!!! how annoying, it just makes the list that much longer and that much harder to find the authors you haven't "experienced"
Chacelyn wrote: "Marty ;) wrote: "Why in the hell is the Mortal instruments on this list? its a list for best Author, not incest love scenes."Wow, I didn't get far in those books-too cliche' and I didn't like the..."
Actually, wasn't really incest. It starts off fairly clichéd and trite but the ending is actually worth reading through the rest, IMO.
Sara wrote: "Alleycatfan wrote: "Can any one tell me...are there any other authors like Jim Butcher? I like the paranormal. I can do without the romance."Patricia Briggs is really good. She's probably #2 on m..."
I loved River Marked. It didn't have the same edge as the previous books in the series, but I liked that. This book had so much heart and a little bit of joy, which is hard to find in this genre. I thought this was a great example of letting the main character have a successful, real relationship without sacrificing action. This book was very satisfying to me.
That said, I do hope the next one isn't TOO focused on Adam and Mercy, for the sake of the series.
Anyway. I agree with the others, as well, about not adding every book in a series, or even multiples from the same author. When I like an author's work, I tend to read everything they've written....
Just to clarify, twilight is classified as a paranormal romance. So yes it does belong on the list.
after reading through these comments I see I actually have to go through this long list of books to see if books that have been added actually fit the description. I'd like to say thanks to all who have added books that they loved and that actually fit the catergory but for future additions can we please keep it to Paranormal/Urban Fantasy and one book from one series. Thanks guys.
Tasula wrote: "Alleycatfan, for exciting non-romancy urban fantasy, you could try Carey, Mike The Devil You Know
Connolly, Harry Child of Fire
Connolly, Harry Game of Cages
Kadrey, Richard Sandman Slim
Ellis, W..."
Great thanks. I'm glad to have new books to try.
#94 - Catching Fire shouldn't be on this list
Immensely enjoyed the "Nightside" Series by Simon R. Green. Also really enjoyed The Dresden Files and The Iron Druid Chronicles by Jim Butcher and Kevin Hearne. Are there anymore books or series' like that? Urban, Dark fantasy or Paranormal but no romance? I'm not interested in a Preternatural Mills & Boon.
Aidan wrote: "Immensely enjoyed the "Nightside" Series by Simon R. Green. Also really enjoyed The Dresden Files and The Iron Druid Chronicles by Jim Butcher and Kevin Hearne. Are there anymore books or series' l...""Alex Verus" series by Benedict Jacka
"Remy Chandler" series by Thomas Sniegoski
"Sandman Slim" series by Richard Kadrey
"Deacon Chalk" series by James R Tuck
"Bubba the Monster Hunter" series by John G Hartness
"Morris and Chastain Investigations" series by Justin Gustainis
No Charles de Lint? He kept urban fantasy alive during the 90s.
You're more than welcome to add a book of his that you Enjoyed Dan.
I need help! I love to read, and have run out of books by my favorite authors. I joined goodreads to try to find new authors, but so far haven't found any I loved. My favorite authors are Patricia Briggs, Nalini Singh, Kelley Armstrong, Devon Monk, Illona Andrews(spelling, sorry),Richelle Mead"s adult stuff ....Authors I like but don't love: Chloe Neille, JR Ward, Thea Harrison, Authors I don't like at all : Lillith Saintcrow, Anne Rice, Stacie Kane. Obviously there a lot more in each category than that. And I have read all of the books out by there by obvious people like Charlene Harris, and Kim Harrison. So....I was hoping that someone could give me some recommendations for new authors or series. I would really appreciate any help :) thanks- Meredith
Alleycatfan wrote: "Can any one tell me...are there any other authors like Jim Butcher? I like the paranormal. I can do without the romance."Ash: Return of the Beast
"/>ASH: RETURN OF THE BEAST is a modern-day supernatural crime chiller, a tale of revenge steeped in the occult. The story is a work of fiction inspired by a little known factoid about the death of Aleister "The Beast" Crowley (1875-1947), the notorious occultist whose favorite number was 666 and whom the British press once labeled as "The Wickedest Man In The World". Crowley’s body was cremated but the unexplained 1947 disappearance of the urn containing his ashes has remained a mystery… until now.
This diabolical tale propels the reader through a series of curiously interconnected events spanning the years from 1947 (and the death of Aleister Crowley) to the 1990s and the coming-of-age (and eventual stardom) of a "death-metal" rocker with the unlikely name of Rodney Duckworth.
The time-line shifts to the present day where Brian Kane, a gruff and gritty street-worn Seattle Police Detective, reluctantly teams up with the mysterious Rowena Ravenwood, an attractive and rather unconventional female FBI agent assigned to a most unusual investigative unit. Their task is to figure out why good, healthy, God-fearing preachers in their fair city are suddenly dropping dead... one at a time... exactly nine days apart.
What is the meaning of the strange symbols branded onto the bodies of these hapless victims? Are they all part of some bizarre cult? No eyewitnesses. No fingerprints. Is it really murder? Where’s the evidence? And what is the disturbing secret that Detective Kane is holding so close to his chest?
The investigation catapults Kane and Ravenwood headlong into life-threatening situations as they feel their way through the strange, dark labyrinth of the world of the occult and find themselves battling for their lives against the powerful forces of ritual magick.
A bloody carnage of unimaginable horror is about to be unleashed upon the world as the offspring of the fabled “Old Ones” are awakened from their ancient slumber.
The survival of the entire human race hangs in the balance and the clues to help solve the case are in desperately short supply. Worse yet, so is the amount of time left to stop the mysterious killer's reign of terror before all Hell breaks loose. And – according to Special Agent Ravenwood – that’s not just a figure of speech.
REVIEWS:
"Rivals the best I've ever read by Stephen King, Peter Straub, or Dean Koontz. Hell, Clive Barker would be proud of this one. Yes, it's that good." - Jeff Whelan
"It threw me for a literary loop, and I could NOT put this baby down!. The characters are very realistic... the plot is amazing. The twists in this story were terrific." - J. Wall, photographer
“The writing was flawless, and the plot was so clever and enticing, that I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys occult mysteries. A riveting story.” – Sandra Carrington-Smith
"A page turner... dragging you into a world where few authors have successfully gone... to the Gates of Hell and back! The thrill ride alone is worth the purchase." - Valerie Bowen, author of the Mind of a Madman series
"Wow...Dan Brown fans watch out! It's gripping, tantalizing... I was hooked by the end of the first chapter and literally unwilling to put it down!" - Nikki, book blogger at Close Encounters With The Night Kind
“Spectacular imagery...” – Michelle Parkins, South Africa
"The character creation is fabulous." - Christina M. Condy, goodreads.com reviewer
"A good break after all the boy-meets-girl plots. Good writing... interesting concepts... a riddle and some clues to solve... I was reminded of Dennis Lehane. Very different from other horror fiction stories... even gave the whole Necronomicon tale a new spin." - Cyma R. Kahn, goodreads.com reviewer
"Brilliantly conceived and executed. A riveting occult crime thriller. I couldn't put it down." - Rai Aren, author of Secret Of The Sands
"A close-the-drapes-and-hang-onto-your-seat-read. Highly recommend it." - Meredith Wright Hutchins, attorney, Olympia, WA
"An ending you will never see coming! Highly recommended!" - Lila L. Pinord, Port Angeles, WA
"Filled with magick... at times drawing one into the evil." - Ellen In Atlanta, amazon.com reviewer
"Plenty of atmosphere and a compelling narrative. A worthwhile roller-coaster ride." - Bob Freeman, author of The Descendant
"What a great story – fast paced and exciting, right to the end." - Roxanne Bland, Of Werewolves And Other Strangers
"Excellent read! Exciting, really moves right along & a wee touch of romance. You wont be sorry!" - Sue McRae, Stanwood, WA
"If you are a fan of Stephen King, you would like this occult thriller. It's not quite explainable and you can't tear yourself away." - John C. Stipa, Virginia
"A tingly, spine-chilling little entry that belongs in any true horror aficionado's collection." - Wendy Potocki, author of The White Lady Murders
“The narrative takes a different approach to the run-of-the-mill Satanist storyline.The action builds nicely and we are drawn into the web of evil and dark revelations as the story progresses.The narrative is rich with details on magic, mystical cycles, and ancient gods and goddesses.” – Drake Morgan at Horror Novel Reviews
"Although this is fiction it makes you wonder whether there is some truth behind the whole story. A real page turner." – Anthony Cessar, Gudja, Malta
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Caution: This book is intended for adult readers due to strong language and some implied sexual content of a deviant nature. Note: the sexual content is implied as opposed to graphic. It is not included as a gratuitous element. Rather, it is critical to the background of one of the primary characters, his personal development and the motivation driving his future behavior.
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KINDLE $.99 for a limited time -
http://amzn.com/B006J6HRGE
Meredith wrote: "I need help! I love to read, and have run out of books by my favorite authors. I joined goodreads to try to find new authors, but so far haven't found any I loved. My favorite authors are Patricia ..." Hands down, Dannika Dark! She is just the best, has three series out, my favorite is The Mageri Series, but her Seven series has been bestselling as well. Each series must be read in order.
Help i am looking for a paranorml/fantasy romance series...It has female lead
Cerburus oowns bar/fight club
Demons
Lead must unite powerful allies
Gets kidnapped and must sit at lucifers feet at party
I cant remember the name of the book
Bug148 wrote: "Help i am looking for a paranorml/fantasy romance series...It has female lead
Cerburus oowns bar/fight club
Demons
Lead must unite powerful allies
Gets kidnapped and must sit at lucifers feet a..."
Not sure but sounds interesting. Let me know if you found it
J wrote: "The dearth of votes for Charles DeLint is mind boggling and depressing."J wrote: "The dearth of votes for Charles DeLint is mind boggling and depressing."
I am extremely surprised there is nothing on the list by Terry Pratchett!
Marty ;) wrote: "Why in the hell is the Mortal instruments on this list? its a list for best Author, not incest love scenes."Yes that was a big yuck for me also
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