Recs for good UF or contemporary fantasy series that have to be read in order

[Usagi77777772003]

Hi, I'm trying to make a TBR pile for really good urban fantasy/contemporary fantasy series set in a world similar to our own (so, nothing medieval-like or in a faraway land) and would love some recommendations. Looking for series that are NOT episodic where each book is more or less stand-alone, but more like one long story split into separate volumes that have to be read in order.
Examples of series that have what I'm looking for are:

The Fever series by Karen Marie Moning (trying to find more like it)
Harry Potter series
Obernewyton series
Hunger Games series (IMO, can't compare with above 3, but did suck me in and do have what I'm looking for even if I did hate the last book)

Some series that don't qualify are:

-Anita Blake series (much as I loved the first 7 books, they can be read out of order as each book is pretty much standalone)
-Sookie Stackhouse (haven't really read, but am pretty sure it's rather episodic)
-...and the many many UF series that follow a similar formula where each book, although based on one protagonist, is pretty much self contained and features an adventure of the week...
-Any paranormal romance series like the IAD series, the Psy-changeling series, the Women of the Otherworld series, etc.

So, if you know of any awesome UF or contemporary fantasy series (doesn't have to be complete, but should have at least 3 books) that
need to be read in order to fully enjoy, please recommend away. Thanks so much in advance!

By the way, below are other series I've read already, so no need to recommend:

Twilight series
Any trilogy by LJ Smith
Percy Jackson (tried, but was a little too juvenile for me -may pick up again tho)
House of the Night series (didn't like)
Vampire Academy series (liked but didn't become as immersed as I was hoping to be)

[[deleted user]]

Mercy Thompson & Alpha and Omega. Different series, same world.
Kate Daniels series is also excellant UF?

[Usagi77777772003]

Thanks for the recs! But I thought Mercy Thompson was similar to Anita Blake/Sookie Stackhouse in that each book can be read as a standalone, or am I wrong? Also, is Kate Daniels similar to the Fever series in that you'd have to read the books in order as one long story? Thanks again!

[~Thena~]

Chicagoland Vampires

[Eeek]

I also prefer book series that have a main plotline that progresses throughout the books, but unfortunately most UF series that I have read are more standalone or episodic in nature.

The Kate Daniels series needs to be read in order, as there is an overarching storyline throughout the books, along with the more specific plot for each book. Also, the relationships among the characters, as well as the main character develop a lot from one book to the next.
While it is possible to pick one book up and understand what is going on, you would miss a lot that seems relevant to the main storyline of the series. They definitely aren't as standalone as the Sookie or Anita series, but not quite as strictly linear as the Fever series (if that makes sense).

The Chicagoland Vampires series is similar, with the first two being more episodic in nature, as she introduces the characters and world, with the later books working to push the main series plot.

A YA series that was good that you might like was Strange Angels, but I warn you that the series ending left me somewhat unsatisfied as it was very open-ended (I wanted to throw the book when I finished).

Another book series that you might like if you enjoyed the more gritty feeling of the Fever series is the Downside Ghosts series by Stacia Kane. This one isn't contemporary, but more of an alternate world following a big event. It is closer to a standalone type than the others I've mentioned, as far as plot so far (though I suspect there is a bigger picture that the main character is uncovering clues to in the books so far, but hasn't realized it yet), but the main character grows a lot from one book to the next, as does her relationship with her main love interest.

[Katrina]

The Kate Daniels series is really good. It's my 2nd favorite UF, right next to Fever series.

You might also want to try the Elemental Assassin series by Jennifer Estep. It's a fun, light UF.

Angelfall by Susan Ee is also a good YA Dystopian-Angel book. I think it's the first book in a trilogy.

[Usagi77777772003]

Thanks for all the recs so far! I know that most UF series aren't structured like the Fever series, so that's why I'm hoping to single out the ones that read more like one long story rather than self-contained stories. It doesn't have to be strictly UF either, as long as it's not traditional high fantasy like LOTR or SOT -never could get into that.

[[deleted user]]

Have you tried Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series. Definitely should be read in order.

[Mlpmom (Book Reviewer)]

These ones only have one book out so far but they were both amazing!

[★ʜɑʋɘɳ★]

I kind of have the same view on books as you...

So far I haven't really found any UF series that can in any way compete with Fever.

However, you definitely should read Angelfall by Susan Ee. Sadly only one book has been published so far but if you like the paranormal-dystopian genre with a strong kickass heroine, a hero to kill for and a plot that keeps you longing for more then I am entirely certain you will love this.

I do second the Kate Daniels series. It kind of is more episodic in nature but the books are good. Period. For every book there is a new big-bad villain but everything is related to this huge even bigger-bad villain (that we have yet to meet). It has an overall plot that gets related to a lot. I ain't gonna lie tho - while I do love these books - it ain't a world shattering love story. Def not Mac & Barrons.

Mercedes Thompson is good, but I personally got tired of them at some point and had to let some time pass before I could start up the next one.

I do not recommend Chicagoland Vampires or The Night Huntress series. This probably is more a personal preference, but I really hated them. Stopped after book 1.

Something not UF but totally awesome: Divergent Series. Have you tried them? Addictive like Hunger Games.

[Usagi77777772003]

Thanks so much everyone! I did like the Guild hunter series by Nalini Singh, but saw it more as a paranormal romance series as the love story was the forefront. So, if I'm in the mood to read a romance, those'll be the kind of books I'd choose. But now I'm in the mood to read an epic series where romance is secondary to plot like HP, Fever series, Hunger Games. And most importantly, all 3 series had one main plotline that was strongly prevalent throughout each book. Right now, most series like that have only 1-2 books out and I want to wait for more books before diving in. I know I'm really picky.

Jani, we have very similar viewpoints and all the series you've recommended are currently on my TBR list. But, like you pointed out, very few books are out for each series and I'm going to wait until a good number's out before diving in. Lol, I don't mind cliffhangers as long as I have the next book available (in fact, I love them).

[D]

Have you tried the Elemental series - Elizabeth Hunter?

[Jai]

I just finished the Cassandra Gannon Elemental Phases series.

Elemental Phases

There are five books so far, and they read as one long story featuring different characters. They need to be read in order, flowing nicely into a continuous story. It was a great series, and I'm really looking forward to the next one.

[Erin]

Gail Carriger's series:

[Jenny]

I loved the fever series and when the final book came out I stayed up all night to finish it. I could not put it down. Had to call in sick to work the next day, lol.

I definitely agree with the recommendations for Kate Daniels. It's a great series and the characters and world building really develop well over the 5 books out so far. Also, The Hollows is a great series that I think is truly underrated. That is an epic fantasy set in a somewhat dystopian version of our world. It has witches, vampires, werewolves, demons, and elves (but their not like LOTR elves. They can kick ass pretty well). It's a little involved with spell magic but there are great action scenes. The romance is very slowly developed and takes a back seat to more pressing concerns.

The only series that hasn't been mentioned is The Dresden Files. Very much worth reading. Harry Dresden is a great protagonist and he surrounds himself with strong, capable women (without making it about romance). It's set in modern day Chicago and there is just about every kind of paranormal character you can think of. Really great series.

[Alisa]

Try these

You need to read all three. It's one long continuing story. The first two books end in cliff hangers. It's a bit uf & a bit pnr but it's also a darkier, grittier series than many. One of my favorite reads of the last year. There will be two more books out later this year.

[Alisa]

Another one you might try is:


There are three main characters and they have different things happen each book but the relationship development is super important to the series and you have to read them all to understand what is happening. Wouldn't be stand alone books. This is also a darker kind of series w/character who are not clearly good or bad. There are all kinds of shades of grey in their lives.

[★ʜɑʋɘɳ★]

You could also try The Mortal Instruments series by cassandra clare. There are 5 out of 6 books released. Plus she had those spin off series to it.
Ppl have a total split opinion about these books... some hate em some love em...
Personally I really really enjoyed them. They are YA (which I normally am not all too gond of) but they are awesomely written... the characters are great and you have like this huge plot that goes over so many books... ofc every book had its own internal theme but its definitely not episodic at all.
Theres always some action so you wont get bored, always some drama but not too much and most definitely a lot of stuff that goes to the heart.

[Usagi77777772003]

Wow, lots of recs! Thanks again! So many series start out slow and it's so hard for me to get sucked into one right off the way I did with Fever.

[Erin]

I am currently reading the Elemental series by Elizabeth Hunter and really like it. I think book 1 is free on amazon right now.

[Cathy]

I really loved the Dresden Files series, but I will say this: he didn't hit his stride with the series until Book 4, Summer Knight, IMO. You could probably start with that one, since that's when the continuing series arc really kicks into gear. Also love Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires and Gail Carringer's Parasol Protectorate -- although Carringer's series is not contemporary. For slightly futuristic (a little sci-fi, but not in a huge way) you might try the J.D. Robb "in Death" series. Oh, and there's the October Daye series by Seanan McGuire.

[Jen]

Cathy wrote: "I really loved the Dresden Files series, but I will say this: he didn't hit his stride with the series until Book 4, Summer Knight, IMO. You could probably start with that one, since that's when t..."

I also love the Dresden Files, but I agree with your comment about not really hitting his stride until book 4. I'm not sure that they necessarily need to be read in order however, it would probably help, but Butcher also does a good job of recapping and explaining a lot of details to readers in every book.

I very much enjoyed the steam-punky Gail Carriger series, although true, set in Victorian England, not modern day.

[Erin]

I agree with the above Gail Carriger rec.

Also, Cassandra Clare too! I love her books. Her writing style is really simple, so it's easy to get into.

[Barbara]

I'm also a big Jim Butcher fan. I've read all of the Dresden books and his young adult fantasy series too. I'm wondering if we will see a new book from him soon.

[~Thena~]

Jim Butcher's last book, Cold Days, was just released in late November, so it's probably going to be a while.

[Barbara]

I'm going to check it out and make sure that I've read it.

Thanks.

[~Thena~]

It's so worth it if you haven't. Best Dresden Files book yet!

[Barbara]

Bought it today!

[Hailey]

I just read the fourth book in the dark ink chronicles. The story builds each book, and if you start in the middle you would be lost.

[Jen]

☃❄ ~Thena~ ❄☃ wrote: "It's so worth it if you haven't. Best Dresden Files book yet!"

I can't wait to read it!

[chucklesthescot]

I don't know if all of these must be read in order but these are books I enjoyed

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[Courtne]

Morganville Vampire series, Jane Jameson series, and Georgiana Kincade Succubus series

[Celeste]

Love at Stake by Kerrelyn Sparks, Awesome, addicting series!