SOS: Serious Overload of Series discussion
Book Recommendations & Favorites
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Loved "Kate Daniels" - Need a Recommendation for Something Similar
Alexandra, Kate Daniels is in my top 3 fave UF series, here are the other two:Chloe Neill's Chicagoland Vampires
Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts
Hmm, Kate Daniels is very unique. Try Mercy Thompson. A lot of people like the Dorina Basarab series (excluding me, LOL), starting with Midnight's Daughter. I also love Chicagoland Vampires, but it's different because it's not all hack and slash. There's politics/drama.
"hack and slash" Those are some of my favorite reads, NU. LOL!
But it has the funny snark. Not as snarky as Kate, but who is?I loved both of Karen Chance's series, Cassandra Palmer & Dorina Basarab, but it feels like it's been so damn long since a book has come out that they've fallen off my radar.
if we're talking UF, here are some that I like:The Edge (also by Ilona Andrews)
Mercy Thompson
Elemental Assassin
Kitty Norville
Fever
Grave Witch this one only has 1 so far, but I loved it.
This is where I think these "I really liked XYZ, could you provide a rec for something similar" actually needs to include what was liked about that particular series. Was it a gritty UF? A snarky heroine? A sexy, alpha shifter?
Steph wrote: ""hack and slash" Those are some of my favorite reads, NU. LOL!"LOL! I know, they're some of mine too. ;) But that series does have the wit and character development and relationship drama -romantic and unromantic.
Hi. Thank you for your replies. Reading them I realized what exactly I appreciate, because I’ve read most of them and I think the closest to Kate Daniels series were:Guild Hunter (currently reading, thank you Steph)
Chicagoland Vampires
Cassandra Palmer & Dorina Basarab
Elemental Assassin
Fever
All of them have a grown up heroine (can’t read about school anymore), unexpected World and plot, good humor and wit, intense action and some love. All suggestions are welcome if you really devoured the novel.
Alexandra, what about Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress books, first one Halfway to the GraveHave you tried them?
You're welcome, I'm glad you're enjoying it, Alexandra.
No worries. :) It's a great series. No harm in multiple recommendations.
Sense361 wrote: "Guild Hunter (currently reading, thank you Steph)Chicagoland Vampires
Cassandra Palmer & Dorina Basarab
Elemental Assassin
Fever"
All of these are in my top faves except Elemental Assassin (haven't read them yet) and Guild Hunter--I like them, but I don't love them, but I'm not a huge PNR fan, and I consider those more PNR than UF, even if the books continue on with the same characters instead of a new book for each couple--true PNR. I actually like Singh's true PNR Psy-Changeling series better, it's probably one of the only PNR series I love.
"All of them have a grown up heroine (can’t read about school anymore), unexpected World and plot, good humor and wit, intense action and some love. All suggestions are welcome if you really devoured the novel."
I know I already rec'd it above, but you should definitely read Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series. I devoured it. Bought the 1st on a whim at the bookstore, and was back buying the next 2 the day I finished the first. LOVED them. They were stay-up-way-too-late books. :)
Love all the books recommended already here are some more.Lisa Shearin series 1st book
Faith Hunter series 1st book
Cat Adams series 1st book
Jaye wells series 1st book
Laura Lulu wrote: "All of these are in my top faves except Elemental Assassin (haven't read them yet) and Guild Hunter--I like them, but I don't love them, but I'm not a huge PNR fan, and I consider those more PNR than UF, even if the books continue on with the same characters instead of a new book for each couple--true PNR. I actually like Singh's true PNR Psy-Changeling series better, it's probably one of the only PNR series I love.I know I already rec'd it above, but you should definitely read Stacia Kane's Downside Ghosts series. I devoured it. Bought the 1st on a whim at the bookstore, and was back buying the next 2 the day I finished the first. LOVED them. They were stay-up-way-too-late books. :)
"
Laura I agree with you completely. I liked the short novella prequel to Guild Hunters (that focuses on a different heroine and takes place in NOLA), but was dissapointed by Angel's Blood. I really wanted a strong world building, but felt the romance was the focus. I think I started it with the wrong expectations, but yeah. There it is. I did not like Spider's Bite by Estep, gave it 3 stars and that was being generous. I also have to recommend the Downside Ghosts, what a fabulous series. Loved it.
What about the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher? It has the humor which is similar to Kate Daniels, a very strong fantasy world that is created in an urban setting, great relationships and friendships, and some hints of romance and sex here and there (all from a male perspective which is a nice change of pace). The first two books are slow, maybe 3 stars, but #3 and on are fantastic. There are 12 books so far, 13 is due out 4/5/11 and Butcher says there will be 23.
I saw start with #3 and if you like it, then go back.
Regina wrote: "I did not like Spider's Bite by Estep, gave it 3 stars and that was being generous."Ditto but I persevered and continued with the series. It's got better. The latest Venom was very good. It deserved every star I gave it, which was 4 but came close to 5.
My favourite quote:
"What are you thinking about?" he [Finn] asked. "Nothing much. I‘m just wondering how exactly I went from being the Spider to the Robin f****** Hood of the greater Ashland area. Three months ago, I was killing people for money. Lots of money. Buckets of it. Now, tell me a good sob story instead and I‘ll take care of all your problems for free. Instead of stealing from the rich, I‘m stabbing them to death for the poor."
LMAO!
I had a very strong negative reaction to Storm Front, even with Spike reading it to me. I don't think I could push myself to read #2 even if my life depended on it. :(
"...was dissapointed by Angel's Blood. I really wanted a strong world building, but felt the romance was the focus."
I loved Angels' Blood but felt that way about the sequel. There was very little action and what there was, was lack lustre. The Psy series is the best PNR ever!
The only 2 series I haven't tried that's listed in this thread are: Downside Ghosts (I now have the first one) and Nocturne City.
Interesting Amy, maybe I will give it (Elemental Assasin series) a second chance. Storm Front and the Moon one that is #2 are not great, the series has a complete turn around at #3 and now I would consider marrying Harry Dresden.
I really liked #1 of Psy, I need to continue on.
I seriously feel lost in a sea of choices right now of what to read next, I am constantly reacting to recommendations, reading new releases and I have limited read time!!!
Ames, You and Sandra have convinced me to continue with EA. I wasn't blow away by #1, but will be reading the next in a bit.
I've read a lot of mixed reviews about EA, so I haven't picked them up yet. I might give them a chance now that I read all your comments.@Ames: I felt like that for the first few Dresden Files books, but like Regina said they do get a lot better. For me it was book #4 that made me really love them.
Dresden Files, one of those series I know I want to continue but there are sooo many other books that get in the way. People keep saying it gets amazing by book 3 or 4, so I need to get with the program! :)I'm reading the second EA book and enjoying it, but I already liked the first one a lot so I don't know if that means much, lol.
Steph wrote: "Ames, You and Sandra have convinced me to continue with EA. I wasn't blow away by #1, but will be reading the next in a bit."Yay!!!!!
Vivian, I liked the 1st EA as well, but really liked #3.
Regina, that's exactly it in regards to Singh's Guild Hunter series--more time spent on the romance than the action & world. I am a true UF lover--bring on the sexual tension. ;)And I love the Harry Dresdens, but not like I love Kate Daniels or Downside Ghosts. I've read all the Harrys--actually, I've listened to most of them, gotta love Spike reading--and Harry & his books are like an old comfortable friend to me. Maybe it's the male perspective--I've never cared for his love interests, and I never find his romantic emotions very believable. The romance doesn't move me. I have been waiting forever for what we got a glimpse of at the end of the Changes, but I'm guessing I'll have to wait longer.
But...I don't read Harry for the romance. I read it for the great storylines & wonderful characters. Like I said--old, comfortable friend. :)
People, are there any more of such series? I tried almost all of the above.
I can't think of any others at the moment, Sense361, but maybe someone else will have a suggestion for ya. Lots of good ones listed here. Did you like them?
Mostly, yes. Except Lisa Shearin. Started good, but the third book bores me. Too much like Harry Potter. And I didn't like the long talk about "How on Earth are we going to find a virgin? They don't exist!"Thanks for the Guild Hunters tip again, Steph!
LOL! I haven't read that one. Oh, you're welcome. Glad you enjoy them. I'm a mega Nalini fan. :)
Another series that has that darker UF feel to them is the Jocelyn Drake's Dark Days series
What about Zodiac series by Vicki Pettersson?1st book :
I actually got hooked to UF after reading that :)
Welcome, Rachael! That's a good suggestion as well. I've only just begun that series (finished 1-2), but am enjoying it as well. It's a bit different, with superheroes as their world's supernaturals, but still good.
Thanks for the suggestions. I will try them.
Also if you like Snarky chicks - Kim Harrison's The Hollows series is a good one. She's not a fighter, more of a witch that doesn't always get it right in a world where the magics users are out of the closet. Its a good series once you get thru the world building in the first book and the series gets better as you go. And her support characters are fun - LOVE Jenks!
@ Cali - Skinwalker is a good series too.
You both are absolutely right. But I've read all the books of those series already. I have found some series similar to Kate's myself, but I don't know if I should post them here, because this subject was opened when I asked for recommendations for myself.
Of course you should... We all love Kate so we might be missing a series you've discovered in the past year.
Lis wrote: "Also if you like Snarky chicks - Kim Harrison's The Hollows series is a good one. She's not a fighter, more of a witch that doesn't always get it right in a world where the magics users are out of..."Yeah, Skinwalker is better than I thought it would be.
Sense361 wrote: "You both are absolutely right. But I've read all the books of those series already. I have found some series similar to Kate's myself, but I don't know if I should post them here, because this subj..."Absolutely Sense361 !!!
We believe in sharing here :)
Yes, yes! Do Share! :D
Ok, ok:)For now two come up to mind
And
Stories in them are different but the quality of writing matches Kate's. They are both original and have strong heroines. And people, there is no love triangle in either of them;)
I will look for more and post them a little bit later.
Thanks, Sense361. I have read Immortal Beloved, but none of the others. I'll have to check them out.
And I've got Highborn to read, and Concrete Savior to get. LOL
You could try Wicked Game. The vampires are very different in this one; not as good as Kate's but then again, whose is? I also really enjoyed Spellbent. She is one of the most kick-a** heroines I ever had the pleasure of reading about. Another recent favorite was Three Days to Dead.
Hi, Michelle! Welcome to the group! I've had Jeri's WVMP Radio books TBR for a while, I'll have to pull them out and make time to check out #1. Thanks for the rec :)
was quirky (i.e., unique worldbuilding) and funny. Reminded me of the Kate Daniels series. Verity isn't quite as kickass as Kate (who is?), but I really enjoyed this one.
Cool. I've got that TBR, I think. Thanks!
What about the "Stray" series by Rachel Vincent? A fav of mine. I LOVE Kate Daniels as well. One of my favs! I also really like Jeanienne Frost. Check out both of her series cause they are both awesome. (Night Huntress series - "Halfway to the Grave") as mentioned AND (Night Prince - "Once Burned"). Patricia Briggs, "Mercy" series as well as her "Alpha and Omega" series. I LOVED the "Graveyard Queen" series. It's more of a ghost mystery series though but it is awesome with fabulous writing - very eerie. :-) I also really like the Alex Craft series that starts with "Grave Witch" by Kalayna Price. I hope this is helpful! :-)
Angi
Angi wrote: "What about the "Stray" series by Rachel Vincent? A fav of mine. I LOVE Kate Daniels as well. One of my favs! I also really like Jeanienne Frost. Check out both of her series cause they are both awe..."Thank you, Angi, but I have read all of these already.
I LOVED Kate Daniels and can't wait for the next one...in the meantime, I bought the first books for a few of the other ones mentioned. I tried Downside Ghosts first...And hated it. I only got through one chapter because I couldn't find any motivation for continuing. Am I giving up too quickly, or did some of you also not like it? I hate to pass up a good series, but I couldn't find something good about it.
I've started the Mercy Thompson series now, and so far I've enjoyed it.
SOS: Serious Overload of Series
Books mentioned in this topic
Hard Magic (other topics)Angels' Blood (other topics)
Slave to Sensation (other topics)
Dire Straits (other topics)
Once Bitten (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Nalini Singh (other topics)Trina M. Lee (other topics)
Helen Harper (other topics)
Darynda Jones (other topics)
Anne Bishop (other topics)
More...
I'm sure people will have lots of recs for you, so I created this thread for you to refer to when you're hunting for your next good read. I'm not sure if you have a love for Urban Fantasy or shifters or what, but these are some series I think you might enjoy.
Nocturne City series by Caitlin Kittredge
First book: Night Life
Kitty Norville series by Carrie Vaughn
First book: Kitty and the Midnight Hour
(I haven't read this one yet, but I've heard many good things about it)
Guild Hunters series by Nalini Singh
Prequel: Angels' Pawn
First book: Angels' Blood
Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs
First book: Moon Called