Looking for Recommendations: Series with 3+ Books

[Candy]

I like series that have more then 3 books because often it takes that many books for a character to really come into itself. I prefer a tough heroine as the lead character heavier on the action and light on the romance.Some of my favorite authors already are Lilith saintcrow, Karen Chance, Patrica Briggs.Anyone have any good series recommendations?

[Isamlq]

Try Magic Bites etc by Ilona Andrews :)

[Julia]

Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series begins with Bitten. Each book or two is about another supernatural woman who lives in this universe. The first two books are about Elena. Armstrong's Darkest Power series is about young people in the same universe.The Summoning is the first in that series.

Tanya Huff has six novels in the Blood series which have been republished into three, I think. The first group is set in Toronto. Blood Price is the first book. The Smoke series follows it with three books and is set in Vancouver. Smoke and Shadows is the first one.

Mark del Franco writes about Connor Grey who is a Druid working for the Boston Police Department. Unshapely Things is the first book.

[Samantha]

The Shifters series by Rachel Vincent is good.

The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews (as mentioned above) is also really good.

So are the Walker Papers books by C.E. Murphy

Oh and the Lupi books by Eileen Wilks

I read a lot of Urban Fantasy and have some good series in my list.

[Joseph]

I read plenty of UF series. The good ones that have been going on long and strong are:
Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series
Carrie Vaughn’s Kitty Norville series
Kelley Armstrong’s Women of the Otherworld series
C. E. Murphy’s The Walker Papers series
Christine Warren’s The Others series
Yasmine Galenorn’s Sisters of the Moon/Otherworld series
Kim Harrison’s Rachel Morgan series
Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series

[Ladiibbug]

Here's a couple ideas featuring tough heroines - both series are more action than romance:

Gail Carriger, historical UF (very funny moments in the books too), Parasol Protectorate series: Soulless is #1. So far there are 3 books out with #4 Heartless due out 6/28/11.

Richelle Mead, Georgina Kincaid succubus series: Succubus Blues is #1, 5 or 6 out now

ITA with the Tanya Huff Blood series books! Lots of action, very little romance, GREAT UF series! Smoke series which follows (3 books?) is good too. If you happened to see the Blood Ties (I think that was the name of it) series on Lifetime TV a few years ago (before they cancelled it - boo!!), those were based on this series of books.

You mention "heroines" - if you like books with a male lead, one of my all-time favorite UF series is The Nightside series by Simon R. Green. So far 11 + books out, short reads, non-stop wild UF action, virtually no romance. Fascinating, fun, over the top characters and plot, #1 is Something from the Nightside

[Candy]

thanks all I ordered the Parasol Protectorate books from Amazon. Not usually my style because i like more action but I thought it might be good to start the year off with something with some humor in and get a few good laughs. they look like they are going to be fun to read.

[Candy]

Joseph wrote: "I read plenty of UF series. The good ones that have been going on long and strong are:
Patricia Briggs’s Mercy Thompson series
Carrie Vaughn’s Kitty Norville series
Kelley Armstrong’s Women o..."

Loved the Mercy books and Kitty! I'll have to check out some of the other ones.

[Candy]

Samantha wrote: "The Shifters series by Rachel Vincent is good.

The Kate Daniels series by Ilona Andrews (as mentioned above) is also really good.

So are the Walker Papers books by..."
Thanks, for the ideas i have read Ilona Andrews and really liked her books. I'll check out the other ones.

[Candy]

Julia wrote: "Kelley Armstrong's Women of the Otherworld series begins with Bitten. Each book or two is about another supernatural woman who lives in this universe. The first two books are about Ele..."

Thanks for the ideas!

[♥Tricia♥]

Wow I can't believe no one has mentioned the Rachel Morgan series!

Kim Harrison


Oops one person did! I missed it :P

[Samantha]

♥Tricia♥ wrote: "Wow I can't believe no one has mentioned the Rachel Morgan series!

Kim Harrison
[bookcover:The Good, the Bad, and the Undead (Rachel Morgan/The ..."

Is the whole series really good? I've only read the first book thus far, I've been waiting on an interlibrary loan for the rest.

[Vicci]

Try the Elemental Assassin by Jennifer Estep. Excellent series, a fourth book is on the way.

[Julia]

Samantha asked: Is the whole series really good? I've only read the first book thus far, I've been waiting on an interlibrary loan for the rest.

I did the same thing. I got the whole set from the library, read the first book and didn't care for it. Not at all. Just to be sure, I read a short story or maybe a book of her short stories. Didn't like that one either. So no more Harrison for me.

But I am unusual in my dislike for this series. Most people who like UF, really like it.

[Carrie (Care)]

I second the Elemental Assassin series an would add Night Huntress (Cat rocks), Jane Yellowrock, and Morgan Kingsley to the list.

[I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com)]

Looks like some of these have already been mentioned, but here is the link to the first book in each series I'm recommending...these are some of my favorites:

[♥Tricia♥]

Samantha wrote: "♥Tricia♥ wrote: "Wow I can't believe no one has mentioned the Rachel Morgan series!

Kim Harrison

[Suz]

♥Tricia♥ wrote: "...Pale Demon being the *best. book. ever. read.*! lol..."


Ok, green is not a good color for me and I find myself turning every shade available in the viewable spectrum and probably some that are not.

HOW did you get a copy of Pale Demon?!? (and how can I get one?!? :D

[Ladiibbug]

Julia wrote: "Samantha asked: Is the whole series really good? I've only read the first book thus far, I've been waiting on an interlibrary loan for the rest.

I did the same thing. I got the whole set from th..."

Wow, I thought I was the only UF reader on the planet who is not a huge fan of Kim Harrison's The Hollows series (Rachel Morgan). I liked books 1 & 2, but by the end of 3 ... I *really* dislike Ivy and just lost interest.

But, Julia's right, most readers LOVE this series, so do try it :-)

[I ♥ Bookie Nookie (bookienookiereviews.blogspot.com)]

Not a big fan of Harrison's Hollows series either...also not a fan on the Anita Blake series either...and both are very popular.

[Suz]

@Ladiibbug,

Awwww...Ivy's just really confused and has tons and TONS of baggage and bad stuff happening off-page. You find out about it later. There are much better people in this series to hate! Lots more fun to hate than Ivy. And Ivy's participation waxes and wanes a bit so it's not always heavy Ivy. Really! :)

[Suz]

Wow, nobody's mentioned Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton (the 20th books gets released this year). She's tough. The earlier books are more UF mystery sorts of stories but book 10 sees a pretty significant shift in the long story arc and the books become much more sexual. Some (although not all) of the later books are significantly more sexual. A lot of people didn't like that about these books, a lot of people did.

I like that they became significantly more sexual but that it worked with the long story arcs and character development (even if the development was often infuriatingly slow). I'm a fan, can you tell?

:)

[♥Tricia♥]

Suz wrote: "♥Tricia♥ wrote: "...Pale Demon being the *best. book. ever. read.*! lol..."


Ok, green is not a good color for me and I find myself turning every shade available in the viewable spectrum and proba..."

I review for Literary Escapism and was able to get an advanced copy to review :)
I got very luck with that one hehe

[♥Tricia♥]

Suz wrote: "Wow, nobody's mentioned Anita Blake series by Laurell K. Hamilton (the 20th books gets released this year). She's tough. The earlier books are more UF mystery sorts of stories but book 10 sees a ..."

While it is true that she is one tough cookie, the earlier books, compared to the later books are WAY different in genre..
Sure the paranormal is still there and the guys are still around.. but its no longer UF but Paranormal Erotica.
Now I dont mind it, but the debate will go on and on, depending on which side of the coin you are on about how good or bad the series is (or has become)

[♥Tricia♥]

I wanted to add, regarding Hamilton.. I really do love her books.. and I love reading her Erotica.
But I think the issue for a lot of fans is, that they started the series reading about Urban Fantasy and ended up eventually with Erotica.

That's sort of the equivalent of going out to the movies and paying for shrek, and getting an adult porn movie.

[Galla]

♥Tricia♥ wrote: "I wanted to add, regarding Hamilton.. I really do love her books.. and I love reading her Erotica.
But I think the issue for a lot of fans is, that they started the series reading about Urban Fanta..."

You make a really good point. I enjoyed a number of the books in the Anita Blake series, but I gave up at book... 15 or so? I already felt the series had jumped the shark, but I stuck with it until I just no longer thought the series was worth my time.

It wasn't just the erotica factor, either, though I think you're right about the genre morph. The early plots were intriguing, engaging, and well-crafted. In later books, the plots could have been lifted from a soap opera storyline, complete with mysterious doppelgangers. They felt completely phoned in. Beloved characters got tossed aside or relegated to a cameo phone call in favor of random werebeasts.

In the meantime, Anita's powers continued to multiply in inexplicably Mary Sue-ish ways, and while I think the ardeur was meant to counter that originally--to provide some sort of weakness--it completely backfired as a narrative technique. The point at which I decided to stop reading was when I read Anita was going to have ardeur-sex with a sixteen year-old (but it was legal in that state, so it was supposedly okay, and anyway, she was his "queen," so he wanted it.) I just don't need that kind of plot in my head, honestly. You can't un-read something once you've read it.

Add to that the fact that I was paying for books with typos every other page (there was a whole book in which LKH forgot how to spell "triumvirate"), and I just can't in good conscience recommend the series as a whole to anyone else--though I still do remember reading and loving the series in its earlier years.

[Theresa]

Ladiibbug wrote: "Wow, I thought I was the only UF reader on the planet who is not a huge fan of Kim Harrison's The Hollows series (Rachel Morgan). I liked books 1 & 2, but by the end of 3 ... I *really* dislike Ivy and just lost interest.

I'm a fan of the Hollows series, but I too don't care for Ivy. I've read all of the books and have never liked her.

[Colette]

I think someone mentioned one of her series already but all three series by Richelle Mead are great.

Succubus Series (Georgina Kincaid)- 5 books out, 1 on the way
Dark Swan Series (Eugenie Markham)- 2 books out, 2 on the way
Vampire Academy Series (Rose Hathaway)- 6 books

[Candy]

Galla wrote: "♥Tricia♥ wrote: "I wanted to add, regarding Hamilton.. I really do love her books.. and I love reading her Erotica.
But I think the issue for a lot of fans is, that they started the series reading ..."

Wow I wish I wrote this! I gave up around book 13/14 I was really disappointed because i loved the early books. Also the whole 16 year old thing was to freaky for me.

[Yodamom]

I agree with all the above selections and I would suggest this series- first book it is the Jane Yellowrock series and it is excellent. The second books is third book

[Joseph]

Yodamom wrote: "I agree with all the above selections and I would suggest this series- first book it is the Jane Yellowrock series and it is excellent. The second books is [bookcove..."

Holy cow! How could I have left off that great one from my list?!? I can't wait to read book #3, I'm still waiting for my order to come in. :-(

[Suz]

@Tricia - I figured it was an ARC or something similar with Pale Demon, and yes I"m still green.

Regarding Hamilton - I'm starting to see why it's not brought up more often. All it takes is a mention to begin the ongoing debate, and I've noticed more than one or two folks who have made a hobby out of bashing her. Which is fine, but became boring to me quickly.

If I got tired of anything with the Anita Blake series it was the level of prudishness that Anita clung to and it being used as a plot device to create tension. I think that, more than the erotica and the ardeur, is the plot device that back fired as it only left one place for Anita to go - looser. Had Laurell found something other than Anita and Richard's prudishness to create tension then both of them could have matured much more quickly than they have. I think doing so would have lessened the need for the amount of erotica that we see in the books.

Even with that, I still think that it works with the longer story arcs, but I can understand why the folks who didn't want to see that level of sexual content when they started the series, and are not sure if they will get it or not in the more recent books (no telling from one book to the next) would be disappointed.

I'm not one of those people.

[Stephanie]

I have to admit that as much as I like the Kim Harrison books, there are aspects of it that started getting a little old. I have not actually read the most recent of the books. I'm sure I'll get to it though.

[Jessie]

I will toss my votes in for both the Kim Harrison Hollows/Rachel Morgan Books as well as Laurell K Hamilton Anita Blake series!

I will also mention The Night Huntress serries that starts with



There are a few Hot and heavy scenes but the action is NON-STOP and Fantastic!!!!

@ Galla I have to admit I get frustrated with Typos too, but I really can't fault the author for that. They are supoosed to be proofed, and re-proffed before publishing so....I see them too much in almost every book I read lately....

[Lela]

The one's I can think of at the moment are Patrica Briggs Mercy Thompson series, L.A. Banks Crimson Moon series, and Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series

[♥Tricia♥]

Joseph wrote: "Yodamom wrote: "I agree with all the above selections and I would suggest this series- first book it is the Jane Yellowrock series and it is excellent. The second bo..."

I wanted to mention for those interested in the Jane Yellowrock series - that an interview I did with Faith Hunter is up over at www.literaryescapism.com and she is giving away a signed set of both of her series!!!
I dont normally plug anything into groups but thought this was relevant to the discussion :)

@suz - yeah, I often avoid LKH discussions because of that same thing.. but everyone here has been so nice and friendly I didnt feel it would be an issue :) /grins

[♥Tricia♥]

Lela wrote: "The one's I can think of at the moment are Patrica Briggs Mercy Thompson series, L.A. Banks Crimson Moon series, and Ilona Andrews Kate Daniels series"

Omg how could I have forgotten Kate Daniels!!! YES YES!!

[Brei]

A couple I havent seen noted

Chicagoland series by Chloe Neill
Cassandra Palmoer series by Karen Chance
Jaz Parks by Jennifer Rardin

If you are looking for something that has a bit of humor try
Real Vampires... by Gerry Bartlett
Nice Girls Dont... by Molly Harper

[Dejsha]

I really love Devon Monk's Allie Beckstrom Series.

Some people say the first book is not great, I liked it. But, the entire series gets better and better every book. Magic on the Hunt comes out in April, I can not wait!!!

Magic to the Bone
Magic in the Blood
Magic in the Shadows
Magic on the Storm
Magic at the Gate: An Allie Beckstrom Novel
Magic on the Hunt

[Sahara]

I have to agree ... I love Lauriel K Hamilton, Yasmine Galenorn and one that hasn't been mentioned ... Christine Feehan! I love Feehan's Dark series. Of these three authors, I eat sleep and breath their books. I can't wait for their next releases. You will always find books beside my armchair, in my napsack, in my car ...

[Dejsha]

All of Devon Monk's books are adult, but my 16 year old niece really likes them too. :o)

[new_user]

I think most series are more than three books, if the author can help it. Maybe you should ask which series are only three books? ;)

[Julia]

Tamara,

I think that's a whole other question! And you might ask it on another thread.

Kelley Armstrong's YA series that parallels her adult Women/ Men of the Otherworld The Reckoning is first, I think?

[Theresa]

Tamara wrote: "Julia,

The last book i went out and got from a recommendation off this group was a YA and i am really not into the hole YA thing so this time round i just wanted to know what is what but thanks ..."

Tamara, an easy way to check this before you commit to a book would be to read the back of the book or check out the description on GoodReads. Generally, it is easy to figure out based on the description.

[Candy]

I am on the third book in Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan series and I really like the writing style. I think Rachel is a great character. BUT I have got to agree with some early posts on this thread. I can't stand Ivy and wish she wasn't in the story at all.

[Jessie]

Too funny! I love the Hollows series and Ivy's character. I think the contrast and tension between her and Rachel is great!

[Michelle]

I think all the best one's have been mentioned in this post.
I loved early Anita, it was around book 13 when Rafael became Raphael and back again in the one book and Stephen kept changing to Steven I got a bit fed up with it. I read them still but I borrow from a friend, I refuse to pay the money for a hard back when they don't spell check!
I also love Rachel, it did take me a while though however by book 4 I was hooked! Can't wait for Pale Demon, I cried my heart out during the last one (I was pregnant right enough but it was sad). And yes, I am a little jealous that some people have read it all ready! :)

Nalini Singh writes
Or have you tried the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning - the 5th one was released on the 18th.

[Christy]

Michelle wrote: "I think all the best one's have been mentioned in this post.
I loved early Anita, it was around book 13 when Rafael became Raphael and back again in the one book and Stephen kept changing to Stev..."

I totally agree with all the earlier suggestions, especially Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. I just started her other series--Alpha and Omega which has Cry Wolf as the first in the series. I liked it, but not as much as the Mercy books.

As for Anita, I only read the first two and got way too tired of reading how tiny and petite yet so tough Anita is. And if I had to read even one more description of what she was wearing, I thought I might scream. So I never even got to the series getting all sexified!

[Tasula]

My suggestions are below. For real action packed books, I especially recommend Sandman Slim, Crooked Little Vein. Laurell K Hamilton was a great start- but her prudish sex attitude which suddenly turned into porn really turned off many readers. Kelley Armstrong's were series is always good, as is Carrie Vaughn's Kitty series.

Paranormal- Female heroines

Keri Arthur W R
Kelley Armstrong W R
Jenna Black V R
PD or Patricia Cacek W V
Karen Chance V R
Nancy Collins V
Mary Janice Davidson (very light, comic) V R
JOcelynn Drake V
Jeaniene Frost V
Sherry Gottlieb V
Laurell K Hamilton V SH W
Charlaine Harris (Sookie Stackhouse series) V W SH R
Kim Harrison V W R
Maria Lima W
Kelly Meding
Karen Marie Moning (Darkfever series) R
Chloe Neill
Jennifer Rardin V
Lilith Saintcrow (demons) R
Jeanne C Stein V
Sunny (sort of vamps) R
Karen Taylor V
Carrie Vaughn W SH R
Rachel Vincent W SH

Paranormal- misc. vamps, weres, sorcerers, etc.

Poppy Z Brite
Jim Butcher (wizard Harry Dresden series) V W
Harry Connolly
Joseph Curtin
Mick Farren V
M L N Hanover
Tanya Huff (the Blood series, and the Smoke series) V
J.F. Lewis V
T A Pratt

Alternate reality or alternate history

Steven Brust
Richard Kadrey (Sandman Slim)
Simon Green
Christopher Moore (fabulous) V
Kim Newman (with vamps) V
Kat Richardson
Maria Snyder

[Kathyjacks]

Christy wrote: "Michelle wrote: "I think all the best one's have been mentioned in this post.
I loved early Anita, it was around book 13 when Rafael became Raphael and back again in the one book and Stephen kept ..."

I agree on the Alpha and Omega series. I liked it but I loved the Mercy Thompson series! I think the fact the main characters start out as a couple takes away from some of the drama most series have. They have only the one main conflict series, where as Mercy Thompson has her main conflict with fey , or vampires , or shifters but then theres the romance aspect on the side. I feel it makes the Alpha Omega series move at a much slower pace.

As for recommendations I would say from YA Morganville Vampires has 8 or 9 out so far.
I also like the Fever series, I think it has 5 books and the series is all finished which I love. No waiting for another book. Also one i read recently that I LOVED!!! was Chicagoland Vampires! I read a book a day from that series. Its not in my top 3 favorite book series.