Recommendations for a Newbie

[Mariah]

Hi,

I'm kind of new to the supernatural/paranormal genre, in that I haven't read much. Could any of you recommend some reading as an introduction to the genre?

I'm specifically looking for non-romance novels, which I know aren't as common as the paranormal romance ones.

In any case, I would prefer that the recommendations are primarily Angels and/or Demons, but I am open to anything else in the genre, especially the not so common, like shapeshifters and the like - except zombies.

Many thanks!

Mariah

[Kay]

Hi,
I haven't read that much I would class as paranormal but I tend to just shove everything under the fantasy umbrella in my head.

How about ? It sounds like it's much more about romance than it really is.

I try not to write too much romance in my series, since it's not the point of it.

I always suggest genre anthologies too to find authors you might like.

[Teya]

I'd recommend Dresden Files, if you like detective stories and humor those are for you. If you're not really into detective stories - still, give it a try. Dresden series is one of the best I've ever read, re-read and devoured.
And there are two other series, that are a bot PR, well... they technically are Urban Fantasy, but both have strong romantic motives, but overlooking the romance plots, they are still worth a look: Kim Harrison's Hollows and Ilona Andrew's Clean Sweep. The last one is a bit sci-fi, but as a person who generally strongly dislikes sci-fi, I still fell in love with this book (it's the first from the series, the rest isn't yet published.
So:

[Mariah]

Kay wrote: "Hi,
I haven't read that much I would class as paranormal but I tend to just shove everything under the fantasy umbrella in my head.

How about ? It sounds lik..."

Thank you! Could you suggest some genre anthologies? I really appreciate it!

[Mariah]

Teya wrote: "I'd recommend Dresden Files, if you like detective stories and humor those are for you. If you're not really into detective stories - still, give it a try. Dresden series is one of the best I've ev..."

I've actually read The Dresden Files. Thank you for all your recommendations! I really appreciate it!

[Krysta]

A couple of my favorites are:

Rachel Vincent's Shifters (First Book: Stray)
Kim Harrison's The Hollows (First Book: Dead Witch Walking)
Karen Marie Moning's Fever Series (First Book: Darkfever - This is more "romance-y" though)

[Lindsey]

Since you're interested in reading about angels you might give Angelology a try, I really enjoyed it.

[Kay]

Mariah wrote: "Kay wrote: "Hi,
I haven't read that much I would class as paranormal but I tend to just shove everything under the fantasy umbrella in my head.

How about ? I..."
How about one of these?
My Big Fat Supernatural Wedding Probably a bit more comedic, what with the concept, but some authors in there with long running series.

Kiss Me Deadly: 13 Tales of Paranormal Love If you want something more romance based, again some popular authors in this one.

Zombies Vs. Unicorns This has been a very successful one lately as it includes a lot of big name paranormal writers like Cassandra Clare, Libba Bray and Holly Black.

The "...From Hell" anthologies usually have a few paranormal writers in too. Love Is Hell Prom Nights from Hell Vacations from Hell Kisses from Hell

[Lianne]

Blood and Feathers by Lou Morgan is a really interesting angel novel (it has a sequel, which I have yet to pick up). I second the Dresden Files, the Hollows series and the Shifters series. Also try the Mercedes Thompson series and the Alpha and Omega series by Patricia Briggs. The second mentioned is a spin-off with one of the Marrok's sons as the male lead.

[Lianne]

I forgot to mention the Peter Grant series by Ben Aaronovitch. It's Harry Dresden meets London. Well, it's a lot more than that, but I'll let you find out for yourself. There are two more series spinning around in my head, but I've forgotten them so I may return with more recs for you.

[Mariah]

Thank you all so much for your suggestions! I really love the different recommendations you are all listing; they all seem very interesting.

I don't think I can thank you enough!

Mariah

[Mariah]

Kay wrote: "Mariah wrote: "Kay wrote: "Hi,
I haven't read that much I would class as paranormal but I tend to just shove everything under the fantasy umbrella in my head.

How about [bookcover:Shadows on the M..."

Thanks, Kay, for taking the time to suggest the anthologies! It's great that they will be able to offer me a number of different authors to look forward to.

Mariah

[Shelby]

[Beth]

I'm new around here, but here is one I just finished. It was AMAZING.The Fall

Beth