Novel series like the Dresden Files? Showing 601-650 of 1,083

[Alison]

It's been a while since I posted on here, but I have still been devouring UF books for good series!

The one series that sticks out as being like the Dresden Files is Faith Hunter's Jane Yellowrock series. It's a cracking read with not much of the lovey dovey stuff!

DD Barrant's The Bloodhound Files was also pretty good, but not Dresden Files standard.

[Bob]

I can second the Jane Yellowrock series. Although her main character spends to much time ogling the male bodies in the series. I also caught an error concerning Glock firearms in the novels ( taking the safety off) which have internal safeties and not external ones. I did send the author a note on this via facebook. I also had an issue with Yellowrock carrying two PPKs which are underpowered for their size, and lack magazine capacity. A bounty hunter like Yellowrock should really know her firearms!

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

I couldn't get into the Yellowrock books, same situation. To much yearning for the male characters and her alter-ego also urging her to get with a male...any male.

I liked the idea behind the book but the actual "storytelling" isn't for me.

[Alison]

@ Bob I can't comment on guns as I know nothing at all about them (being in the UK and all!), but I'm sure you are right!

@ Mike Her cat ego does want her to mate, but it doesn't happen very often, much to the disgust of the animal. But for me that fits very much with the true instinct of animals to mate with the best choice available - and Jane does have more than a few choices around her. Jane reigns in her cat's ego though and what sex does happen is not described in minute detail (as in many PR UFs we've discussed before). That suits me as it doesn't get in the way of the story (same with DD Barrant's The Bloodhound Files).

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Matter of taste. We've talked about that. I just have a lower tolerance for a romantic/interpersonal type story. Same with Ilona Andrews, she's a very popular writer but i just don't care for her stuff. We all have our own tastes and favorites.

[Jeremy]

I agree with Mike - I've noticed with many urban fantasy books from a female POV that the romantic content seems much more noticeable to myself and gets in the way of the plot more often.

[Meredith]

I agree! When I want urban fantasy, that's not the kind of action that I have in mind!

[Richard]

I have the same issue with these books as you guys. The only female lead UF I've really found readable has been the October Daye novels and I'm only on the 3rd or 4th of those, there's romantic interests but not much actual romance going on, and while there's ogling descriptions of how some of the male characters look, its no worse than a lot of the male UF leads describing how breath-taking such and such a female char looks or noticing how she moves etc.

[Bob]

As we've discussed before, I have yet to find a female author who doesn't have a fixation on the male anatomy! While the male authors are more story specific and keep the romance to a minimum. Even in Dresden when he was having romantic interludes it was just no big deal and didn't interfere with the story flow. I also find this similar , in the Alex Verus series, romance does not get in the way of the story.

[Kat]

Haha well, I can say the same about most male authors. There isn't a book out there that I know of where the female anatomy is not talked about and emphasized in some way, doesn't have to have romance involved. (Unless the male lead is gay then he'd be checking out other guys manly parts lol) So what's so different if its a female author objectifying the male anatomy in the exact same way? I like some romance but not all, so I really don't care one way or another. I just roll my eyes if I get to a part where a guy is staring at boobage or booty and think to myself typical! Lol ;)

[Bob]

Well I don't believe Butcher or Jacka engage in such ogling of the female anatomy!

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

It's as I said a matter of taste. I think it's true that males and female IN GENERAL tend to write differently. That's not rue across the board, but being PC makes us dance around talking about it.

I think Rob Thurman is the female UF writer I've found most readable...but only her Leandros series. They are still a bit more romantic in parts than I like but not so much as some other writers.

We'll never agree here on which is "better" as we all have our favorites and all like different things. Personally my favorite UF reads are Butcher's Dresden books and Jacka's Alex Verus books.

To each.

[Sharon]

Bob wrote: "Well I don't believe Butcher or Jacka engage in such ogling of the female anatomy!"

Butcher certainly does. Harry's just fatalistic (knows he's not getting any) and more tasteful when talking about it than most. Reread his descriptions of Molly sometime, or Jenny Greenteeth or really, any of the women characters. Look for it. I think you take it for granted because that's just how men roll. A lot of male authors objectify women and no one even notices. I think it's funny how much it offends you guys when women turn the tables.

In any event I don't want to get off topic and start a flame war. I accept that male authors are going to look at women from a male perspective and women authors are going to look at men from a female perspective. As readers, we need to be able to identify with the protagonist/storyteller and move on, even if it isn't our personal preference.

In my opinion, books slide into PNR territory when the rest of the book ---characters, action, theme---takes a back seat to the romance itself. In pulp romances the plot is only a vehicle for the relationship so the author can write sex scenes and build the relationship. In good UF, any romance is an integral part of character building and plot development. Any scenes involving sex are there for a reason beyond mere titillation. (Which is where LKH failed and killed her audience for the Anita Blake books.) That said, if the sex bothers you skim and move on or choose another author.

[wayword_witch]

Sharon wrote: "Bob wrote: "Well I don't believe Butcher or Jacka engage in such ogling of the female anatomy!"

Butcher certainly does. Harry's just fatalistic (knows he's not getting any) and more tasteful when ..."

I love it when you speak up.

[Damian]

Bob wrote: "As we've discussed before, I have yet to find a female author who doesn't have a fixation on the male anatomy! While the male authors are more story specific and keep the romance to a minimum. Eve..."

Try the Cal Leandros series. Robin Goodfellow might be a character that you hate, but other than that particular character I'm sure you might like the series.

[Julie]

I liked what Sharon wrote about sex and LKH. I stopped buying her books and borrow them either from the library or my cousin because I found that they were becoming all porn and a very poor plot line. If I had to skim through the sex scenes, there would be hardly any book left to read. I just read her latest and although there is more of a story and she seems to be getting back to how her books were in the beginning, there is still a lot of sex and it's almost as if she doesn't know what to do with the characters anymore when there is no action going on. She just chucks in a load of pages of sex. If I recall correctly, one of her books was set over a 24 hour period and it was nearly all sex with a few lines of dialogue and one fight scene. Same problem with her Merry Gentry series.

At least with Harry you know what you're getting, no overly gratuitous sex but plenty of witty banter and great action.

[Rob]

Natasha wrote: "Sharon wrote: "Bob wrote: "Well I don't believe Butcher or Jacka engage in such ogling of the female anatomy!"

Butcher certainly does. Harry's just fatalistic (knows he's not getting any) and more..."

I listened to Storm Front for the first time in audiobook form, so I was forced to hear to every word of the character descriptions instead of skimming over them. I did notice that the character descriptions were longer for females and all of the women were much more attractive than normal people, but no more so than the average TV show or movie.

In Butcher's defense, Storm Front is an imitation of the classic Noir detective genre, to the point of the novel opening with the Damsel in Distress hiring the Private Eye. In addition, the majority of the female characters were femme fatales using their sex appeal to manipulate men in one way or another. Being a wizard, which Butcher describes as being very observant as well as strong-willed, Harry notices the all of the things a man would naturally observe, but he isn't fooled by them. Even with Linda Randall's constant flirting, he suspects she is insecure and lonely, which is confirmed later in the novel.

I think Harry is less fatalistic and more realistic and old-fashioned. He knows he isn't good at relationships and he isn't looking for one-night stands. Note how he reacted differently to Susan Rodriguez's advances than he did anyone else. Harry notices attractiveness, but is looking for love before he lets himself get distracted by the physical (being naked and trapped in a circle with a woman who just drank a love potion notwithstanding). During my re-read, I hope to see the switch when Harry starts describing Murphy less like a little sister and more like a potential partner.

[Sharon]

Rob wrote: "...In Butcher's defense, Storm Front is an imitation of the classic Noir detective genre, to the point of the novel opening with the Damsel in Distress hiring the Private Eye. In addition, the majority of the female characters were femme fatales using their sex appeal to manipulate..."

Very well said and I agree. This is the distinction we've been trying to make. In UF, the sexual references are there to advance plot, explain character, define relationships, or build the mood of the piece, not simply to provide an erotic moment for the reader to wallow in.

[Bill (Just a)]

Sharon wrote: "Butcher certainly does. Harry's just fatalistic (knows he's not getting any) and more tasteful when ... A lot of male authors objectify women and no one even notices. I think it's funny how much it offends you guys when women turn the tables. "

Didn't offend me. I needed something very light because of what is going on in my life, so I started listening to the Sookie Stackhouse series. The author is a women - Charlaine Harris. Her descriptions of woman don't seem to much different than the descriptions of Molly. So... table is turned but the porridge seems pretty much the same.

[Bob]

Not offended at all. Just seems like Dresden's observations fit in more with the story lines vs. the Jane Yellowrock series. That said I have read the Yellowrock novels and enjoy the action and ignore the ogling of the male characters. I have also read all of the Elemental Assassin Series which includes a fair amount of male ogling as well.

[Book Goblin,]

I have noticed that Harry describes women less when he's getting some (Fool Moon, Grave Peril, Turn Coat) and is way more observant when he hasn't been laid in a while. I might be mistaken but if Jim did that on purpose he gains a whole new level of cool :)

I haven't read a lot in the thread and don't know if these have been recommended (they probably have) but try these books:

- Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy
- The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne

I also tested out these series but have only read the first in each:
- Felix Castor books (Exorcist dude, enjoyable 3/5)
- Connor Grey books (Druid mc, was a bit slow but a good read 3/5)
- Peter Grant books (Mage protagonist 4/5 set in London, very cool)
- Remy Chandler books ( Angel main character 4/5)

I have also read the first of Simon R. Green's Nightside and hated it with passion. Do not recommend.
IDC has been the closest thing to Dresden I've found and is different enough and has awesome witty banter and snarkfests :))

[Book Goblin,]

Oh by the way, I forgot to mention that one of the closest things to TDF I've read is the Watch books by Sergei Lukyanenko, I love them but always forget because they're Russian. REALLY good reads though. Amazing <3

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Have you tried the Jacka, Alex Verus books Nana? They have come the closest (for me) to the feel of the Dresden books. The first is Fated .

[Jeremy]

Sweet! Got Skin Game, reading now

[Book Goblin,]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Have you tried the Jacka, Alex Verus books Nana? They have come the closest (for me) to the feel of the Dresden books. The first is Fated."

I just finished the first actually, very good!

[Damian]

LazerWraith wrote: "Sweet! Got Skin Game, reading now"

You're gonna love it!

[Jeremy]

Damian wrote: "LazerWraith wrote: "Sweet! Got Skin Game, reading now"

You're gonna love it!"

I'm curious, did you already read it, and if so how? I got it because a pirated edition was available early online (I'll buy the real thing later to make up for it.)

[Book Goblin,]

I got the leaked ebook last night. My physical copy is on its way and my audiobook should become available on audible any minute now. #hardcore

I'm on chapter 12!

[Damian]

LazerWraith wrote: "Damian wrote: "LazerWraith wrote: "Sweet! Got Skin Game, reading now"

You're gonna love it!"

I'm curious, did you already read it, and if so how? I got it because a pirated edition was available ..."
My bookstore got it and allowed me to pick it right up last monday. Finished it and you're in for the best DF book ever made.

[Bill (Just a)]

Audiobook was in my library this morning.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

YEP, Skin Game out today. Got it from Audible a few minutes ago.

[Myst]

My library's new catalog system isn't allowing new releases to be entered in happily yet so I can't get my hold in yet :(

I forgot to check this morning, and thought uh oh when I realized at noon I'd forgotten to look. Well not in catalog, so I called them to make sure it was the new software. I now need to check every 6-12 hours and hope most other reader's aren't as diligent.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

After our discussion Harry is very fixated on the young female character we meet here going on (again) about "how long it's been".

[Aayush]

my one question about the Alex Varus books is the power level. Dresden is a staff toting badass. Alex seems to be weaker, because all he is is a prophet. Does it still have the action/epic fight scenes that the Dresden Files has?

[wayword_witch]

Bob wrote: "my one question about the Alex Varus books is the power level. Dresden is a staff toting badass. Alex seems to be weaker, because all he is is a prophet. Does it still have the action/epic fight sc..."

Alex Verus doesn't have any kaboom magic but he's more ruthless and having to rely more on his mind made it a good mystery. I liked it enough to buy the second book but I haven't had a chance to read it yet. Also, there wasn't much for romance, which I enjoyed.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Yeah Alex Verus is slowly gaining a "rep" in their world. He's seemingly not a big battle wizard power-wise but everyone who goes up against him dies...

It's handled well. While they are different types of wizard the worlds have a similar feel.

[Skloodzi]

Dragons and Dwarves: Novels of the Cleveland Portal

An omnibus edition of Dragons of the Cuyahoga and The Dwarves of Whiskey Island

By S. Andrew Swann. Very highly recommended.

http://amzn.com/B002IEUV8M

[Bob]

Bob wrote: "my one question about the Alex Varus books is the power level. Dresden is a staff toting badass. Alex seems to be weaker, because all he is is a prophet. Does it still have the action/epic fight sc..."

Short answer is yes, Verus has epic battles!

Bob M. (different Bob!)

[Bill (Just a)]

So Alex Varus is the new Harry. I will keep that in mind. Once upon a time, I think people were picking up the MHI books as the next best thing.

I listened to the first MHI. It was OK. I would be willing to listen to another.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

I wouldn't call him the new Harry. They're different but you get much of the same, "feel" is how I'd put it.

[Damian]

I still don't see how it's that much the same. The way the characters felt was completely different to me.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

To each. I'm not sure I'm being clear. There are a few series most people compare to Dresden. I find that I (this is me, my taste) don't care for most. *I don't like the Iron Druid, neither do I care for Felix Castor. Neither of the two remind me of harry at all. The Alex Verus character while a different kind of mage/wizard puts me more in mind of Dresden. Protector of the weak, getting involved in things that should be over his head. A little regretful at having to kill but being open with those who go against him that he will do it.

As noted we will all disagree. Most of us seem to like Harry for different reasons judging by the spread in types of books we all find reminding us of the books.

[Jason C]

I myself was really liking the Twenty Palaces series, a shame it got cancelled. The Monster Hunter International series also took me by surprise, I think just about anyone would love that. I'm interested in the Peter Grant series, the Fixer, and now Alex Verus. Anyone here read each of these?

BTW, finished Skin Game today. Wonderful, and I think a great return to form after the last two books, which I considered a little sub-par.

[Sharon]

I have the first books in the Monster Hunter series sitting in my TBR pile, checked out from the library a few days ago, but I am not quite ready to start them. (I finished Mockingjay tonight.) I am 2 books into the Peter Grant series and I've read all of the Alex Verus books.

I think the Alex Verus series (author Benedict Jacka) improves with each book. The first one was sort of bland, but I found myself getting more interested with each sequel as Jacka started fleshing out his characters a bit more. I agree with Mike that they are the closest to Jim Butcher's style of the titles we've discussed to date, but face it, Butcher's characters are a lot more likable. Harry likes and generally trusts people. Alex doesn't.

I've read only the first 2 Peter Grant books and while I like them, they are extremely British. That's not a bad thing, but I did find myself having to occasionally reread or just rethink a sentence of two to clarify what the author was talking about. Aside from that, though, I liked them very much. Again, these are a series I would recommend to someone looking for a UF book that is different but similar to Dresden. They have a lot of that investigative thing going for them and I think it's cool that the British constabulary has a secret wizards division.

I have also read all the published books in the Iron Druid series. Again, I must agree with Mike; they are nothing at all like The Dresden Files. I like Kevin Hearne, but these books are kind of light and fluffy. Atticus isn't a miserable tortured soul. The books did make me laugh out loud a few times. I came away from them feeling entertained but not terribly invested in the characters or events. They are a fun read, but I would never categorize them as dark urban fantasy. I mean, the guy has a talking dog with a poodle fetish. You can't compare a dog like that to Mouse. You just can't.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Haven't read The Fixer or any of that series so can't comment...I'll have to run the first down. I've read the first Peter Grant book and have the second. I thought the first was good but haven't been "impelled by desire" to follow it up. I"m a huge fan of the Monster Hunter International books, but they don't strike me as a lot like the Dresden books...so, did that help? LOL

I've said it before, we all have our own taste. I also like the Twenty Palaces books. I didn't find them until the series had already been canceled. I wonder if sales were poor because a lot of us who like that type book didn't hear about them.

That's where groups like this come in, we get word to each other about books "we" find close to other books we like. We won't all agree, but sometimes we will.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Hi Sharon, I was just browsing your shelves (hope you don't mind) and I downloaded First Truth from the library. I have reservations as Kim Harrison is listed as co-author (and also though I hate to admit this because the cover art is of a young woman with fluffy hair and so on). I have a fairly low paranormal romance tolerance (in other words I think of some books as PNR that others don't).

Think I'll like?

Just thought I'd get your opinion. I plan to start it in next few minutes.

[Bob]

Finished Skin Game yesterday, can't wait to discuss with group once we have all read the story!

The difference between Dresden and Verus, I believe is the world view. Despite all the beatings and disappointment in Dresden's life he is basically an optimist, Verus on the other hand is more a pessimist although he would like to be proven wrong! Really believe Harry had it tougher than Verus growing up ( foster homes, killed his guardian, etc)
Verus was more of an adult (18 yrs old) when he joined up with the Dark Mage and suffered for his bad choices, and wanted out leading to the person he is today. Verus is carrying more guilt than Harry as we see in Chosen.

[Sharon]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Hi Sharon, I was just browsing your shelves (hope you don't mind) and I downloaded First Truth from the library. I have reservations as Kim Harrison is listed as co-author (and also t..."

Sorry to break the news, but Kim Harrison didn't co-author it. Kim Harrison and Dawn Cook are the same person writing in slightly different genres. They may also be owned by different publishing houses, but I'm not sure about that one.

Feel free to browse my shelves anytime. I am pretty lazy about putting in reviews though. I add books to my shelves whenever I am bored (and run across a book or author I haven't yet added in there). I'm still pretty new to Goodreads, too.

I don't know if the Truth series will be to your taste. I liked them but I would categorize them more as classic fantasy and I think they were targeted at YA audiences originally. You know, that might make them more to your taste rather than less, as I don't recall them being overly romantic. But hey, magic, teenagers on a quest, and dragons. What's not to like?

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Thanks, I saw that (the nom de plume) after I wrote you. Oh well.

Well (did I just say that?)...I'm sort of lukewarm about it. I didn't hate it, but I doubt I'll follow it up. But thanks I will browse others you've read, feel free to do the same with my books.

[Scott]

Sharon wrote: "I think the Alex Verus series (author Benedict Jacka) improves with each book. The first one was sort of bland, but I found myself getting more interested with each sequel as Jacka started fleshing out his characters a bit more."

Natasha wrote: "Alex Verus doesn't have any kaboom magic but he's more ruthless and having to rely more on his mind made it a good mystery."

I would say the combined comments from Sharon and Natasha pretty much hit the nail on the head concerning Alex Verus. He is definitely a more ruthless character than Harry. He also has a bit of the tortured soul thing going on which lends to the similarity.

The first book felt VERY Dresden-ish and Jacka even gives a nod to Butcher in the first few paragraphs. I would say the biggest difference for me is actually in the supporting cast. I love Butcher's supporting characters for Harry but I cannot say the same for Jacka's. They grew on me as the books have gone on but I have yet to find one I thoroughly enjoy and sometimes the supporting characters can make a book for me. Definitely the case with Iron Druid. Oberon is hilarious.