UF/Paranormal series in our reality with separate/hidden magic/whatever

[Willoughby Swarthington]

Just looking for recommendations where the reality/history/society is basically what we live in, and the paranormal or fantasy parts are hidden from/not a part of the society at large.

Have a gander at my read books/ratings and I think you'll understand what I mean. Romance in the series is good, but I don't prefer a series where that's the main focal point (though I've read and enjoyed more than one, just because the related story was fun enough as I skimmed past 50% of the book as it droned on about amazing abs and guys with names like Xander). There should preferably be a lot happening outside of the mental fawning over rock hard/curvy bits'n'bobbles.

Also really important is that the protagonist never makes choices or does things that are *blatantly* the wrongest damn thing to do just to move the story along. If I recall correctly this was why I enjoyed the entire Sandman Slim series until I got to Getaway God and I couldn't even finish that book.

Oh and also important: The characters must be adults; at *least* 20, just because I have no interest in child/teenage characters.

Male or Female protagonist makes no difference. Even writing quality is somewhat tangential for me at times. OK, if it takes 3 pages of alliteration to describe a scene, I can't stand that kind of writing foible, but editing errors don't bother me a bit. If the writing says "The hose is on fire" after they "Just arrived at the hues", I know what the author meant so I don't care that he forgot how to spell the word house, maybe he had an off-day; who am I to judge?

Other things I quite like; I like a powerful protagonist. I *hate* a weak one, clearly not cut out for the task at hand where you need some last minute luck just to even survive (or inexplicably surviving things, I'm looking at you The Descent series). Overly powerful protagonists aren't even something that bother me, so long as there's consistency and they don't randomly make them super-mega-strong and then super-fizzle (What the hell Demon Accords?). Super-powered isn't necessary though, The Immortal Man series is my favorite of all of them I've read, and his super power is basically a long memory and a healthy liver.

Also not a fan of obscenely stressful / endless build up to the end. I want minor victories throughout the book; minor failures too sure, but it has to be tempered. Can't stick it through with a book where all attempts the protagonist makes are met with failure. Endless failure failure failure, pleh. Until the end- Victory! What? Pleh. I like the story to have successes and failures, urgent/suspenseful periods tempered with respites.

[Michael]

Hands down, Dresden Files series is what you're looking for!

[Ashley]

Agreed!

[C.D.]

If you like YA try my Grazi Kelly series, message me and I will send you a coupon

[Betelgeuze]

Can't see your book list, but these may be what you're looking for.

[Willoughby Swarthington]

Oh my list is hidden sorry! I'll fix the privacy settings so it's visible when I get back to a computer. Madness of angels started cool but lost me in the first couple scenes with its endless metaphors and descriptions. Dresden seemed too mystery/whodunnit/noir-detective, not so fantastic. Also he's a regular human right? May give it a better try though if you suggest.

[Willoughby Swarthington]

You should all be able to see my books now. I absolutely loved the hellequin chronicles as well as iron druid chronicles.

Let me know if you can't view my books list now!

[Willoughby Swarthington]

I just grabbed Dead Spots and have been reading it, I quite like it so far, so I think I'll work on this series for now.

Still love to hear more suggestions! The rivers of london book sounds interesting and I think I'll plausibly give that a shot next.

[Willoughby Swarthington]

Do let me know if my books are not now visible to folks! I didn't realize I had my privacy settings as such, tried to change them but don't know for sure if I set it right or not.

[Betelgeuze]

Willoughby Swarthington wrote: "Do let me know if my books are not now visible to folks! I didn't realize I had my privacy settings as such, tried to change them but don't know for sure if I set it right or not."

Your books are visible now.