Novel series like the Dresden Files? Showing 751-800 of 1,083

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

I'd only trade if I could keep my own brain and experience... The old, "if only I knew then what I know now" thing. I agree with Mark Twain, "youth is wasted on the young." We should be like the people on Ork, be born old and get younger.

[Lindsay]

I'm only 21, and I wouldn't trade to be eighteen again. That being said, I hopefully have a long time left to read all my books. Probably not into my sixties, not with my health issues, but long enough to finish Dresden and all my other favorite series.

Wow this got morbid. Sorry y'all.

[Cindra]

That Mark Twain quote is a fav of my hubbie's & mine. He surely knew what he was talking about. Wisdom seems to come w/acquisition of knowledge. And that can be painful. "Battle scars" so to speak. Love that Thomas said "The path of excess leads to the palace of wisdom".

[Robin]

Lindsay wrote: "I'm only 21, and I wouldn't trade to be eighteen again. That being said, I hopefully have a long time left to read all my books. Probably not into my sixties, not with my health issues, but long en..."

Hey Lindsay just looked at your profile and it says you live in America. I understand why you wouldn't want to be eighteen again, it seems like an eighteen year old can't do anything fun in the states. When I was on holiday I was irritated at the fact that I was unable to do the stuff I would normally do on holiday if I was in Europe.

[wayword_witch]

I was laughing reading those last few comments. :)

[Lindsay]

Robin, in America, 18 is old enough to vote, make your own medical decisions, go to jail and die for your country, but not old enough to drink a beer. That still makes no sense to me. Granted, most of our laws don't make any sense. I mean, have you SEEN our healthcare? And in Florida, my home and native land, you can tie an elephant to a street lamp. That's just rude. Where am I supposed to leave my elephant now?!

[Robin]

Lindsay wrote: "Robin, in America, 18 is old enough to vote, make your own medical decisions, go to jail and die for your country, but not old enough to drink a beer. That still makes no sense to me. Granted, most..."

Lol. Elephant parking is one of burning issues in American law and politics.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Actually during Nam we could drink a beer. I'm not sure if 18 years olds can buy beer at a PX aby more or not. The Nam era was when 18 year olds got the vote.

Frankly I was never that fussed about whether i could have a beer or not. To this day I drink for the taste not the buzz. A 6 pack may sit around in thew fridge for a week or two and I still have a couple of shots in a George Dickle bottle I keep in the fridge to (I like it cold but don't necessarily want ice in it).

I had lots of fun at 18...I can tell you about the inside of a couple of jails.

[Rysa]

Lindsay wrote: "Robin, in America, 18 is old enough to vote, make your own medical decisions, go to jail and die for your country, but not old enough to drink a beer. That still makes no sense to me. Granted, most..."

Don't park it in Congress. Too many of them there already. ;)

[Robin]

Rysa wrote: "Lindsay wrote: "Robin, in America, 18 is old enough to vote, make your own medical decisions, go to jail and die for your country, but not old enough to drink a beer. That still makes no sense to m..."*
*smile*

[Ian]

Back on topic, and I know know if this series has already been recommended but I've just discovered Libriomancer Libriomancer by Jin Hines and absolutely loved it. Similar pace and humour to Butcher, a cracking good story and some terrific geek-ophile moments.

[Ian]

Back on topic, and I know know if this series has already been recommended but I've just discovered Libriomancer Libriomancer by Jim Hines and absolutely loved it. Similar pace and humour to Butcher, a cracking good story and some terrific geek-ophile moments.

[Meredith]

I agree and am looking forward to the next.

[Cherie]

Ian wrote: "Back on topic, and I know know if this series has already been recommended but I've just discovered Libriomancer Libriomancer by Jim Hines and absolutely loved it. Similar pace and ..."
Really - hadn't heard of it - off to peek
thanks :)

[Louisjohn99]

A huge thanks for everyone that recommended the Alex Verus series. Reading them gave me the same feeling of excitement that I felt when I read the DF novels for the first time. Excellent narrative, great characters, stellar action. Anyone that reads Dresden has to read Alex Verus. It's become an easy favorite
Along with DF.

It's not a slam to Dresden, but is anyone else becoming a little concerned that Dresden is becoming so epic in scale with each novel that JB is going to have a hard time topping the book that came before it. One thing about Verus, so far, is while the stakes are high, the scale is relatively small. As the series goes on, I know that may change.

Moving on to the Peter Grant novels. Thanks again Goethe recommendation.

[Robin]

Louisjohn99 wrote: "A huge thanks for everyone that recommended the Alex Verus series. Reading them gave me the same feeling of excitement that I felt when I read the DF novels for the first time. Excellent narrative..."

As you enjoyed Verus I recommend the Hellequin series by Steve McHugh. Like Verus Hellequin is still a small series. Although the author stated that he plans to write at least twenty novels in the series, currently there's only three.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

I've like the Hellequin novels pretty well.

Louisjohn99 I think it's the arc Dresden is on. The last 3 books were kind of a trilogy within the overall series. Now that Harry (view spoiler)[ is the Winter Knight he'll be forced into more epic scale battles (hide spoiler)]. I'm not sure how many more novels JB has planned (he had said 10 a while back with concluding trilogy, but that may have been a couple of books ago).

[Robin]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I've like the Hellequin novels pretty well.

Louisjohn99 I think it's the arc Dresden is on. The last 3 books were kind of a trilogy within the overall series. Now that Harry [spoilers removed]. I'..."

Mike I seem to recall that JB said that there will be twenty-three Dresden novels with an apocalyptic trilogy to conclude the series. I think his comment was something like "everyone loves an apocalyptic trilogy."

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Do we...??? Huh, who knew?

[Stutley]

I don't recall having ever posted on this particular thread before and I'm not sure this will be appropriate for this discussion, but I don't see a thread where it would fit any better.

I was just surfing Youtube and came across an HBO movie from back in 1991 called 'Cast a Deadly Spell'. It's not a top flight movie and doesn't have any major stars. On the other hand, it's filled to the brim and then some with a heavy load of talented character actors.

The reason I'm mentioning it is that the main character and the general story are polar opposites of Harry Dresden and his usual cases. Set in 1948 California in a universe where everyone uses magic except for the main character who just happens to be call Philip Lovecraft. As the story moved along, I had to wonder if Jim Butcher ever saw this one.

It's worth an hour and a half of your time if you don't mind cheesy, early 90s FX and low budget film noir.

[Bob]

Butcher actually has commented on this movie as one of the inspirations for the Dresden Files. I saw it on one of the many Youtube videos featuring JB.

[Bob]

I think I was the first to recommend the Hellequin series to the group. For some reason, I get emails from Amazon saying that if you like this series, take a look at this series. With my Kindle, I can read for free the samples (usually several chapters) to decide to buy it or not.
I recently have been reading the Immortal Series by Gene Doucette, take a look at his series. The main character is Immortal and has been around since the dawn of man. While he is not indestructable, his immune sytem is so strong that he is resistant to all diseases and does not age. He has another character, from the book THE FIXER, who is a poor man Alex Verus character. Again a great read and found by Amazon offering the first novel for 99 cents.
Also the Myke Cole Shadow Ops series, is Xmen meets the military. It too is a great new series.

[Holly]

I just wanted to say that if you are not reading the Ben Aaronovitch "Peter Grant" books (ESPECIALLY in audiobook format as the narrator is fantastic!), go get you some.

[jamako]

The Twenty Palaces Books are recommended by the almighty Jim himself.
I'd also recommend the Jack Nightingale and Sandman Slim series. The "Peter Grant" books are still on my 'to-read-shelf'.

Neverwhere by Neal Gaiman and The Blue Blazes are also A+ reads.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

JB also "endorsed" the Benedict Jacka Alex Verus books. They're my favorite UF after Dresden.

[FawnCC]

I love the Hellequin series, I can't wait for the next book. I couldn't get into the alex verus books. I only like the books from Owen's pov in the monster hunter international books.

That being said I do like the Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs,and if you like fantasy as well the hollows author Kim Harrison also did a the truth series as dawn cook.

Also try the Elemental assassin series by Jennifer Estep... not like dresden but still good!

[Shahbaz]

I just got the Hellequin series yesterday, Going to dive into them asap. Already read MHI, Merc Thompson and The Hollows. Enjoyed them all pretty much. The MHI: Nemesis book I did enjoy greatly since it was from Agent Franks POV mostly, and that guy is a favorite of mine.

Nice recommendations FawnCC I support those fully lol. Not really Dresden like, but still great stories.

[Prince]

I think the Twenty Palaces books are really good.
0.5 Twenty Palaces
1. Child of Fire
2. Game of Cages
3. Circle of Enemies

[Bob]

Take a look at Gene Doucette's Immortal Series.
Character is an Immortal and has been around since the dawn of time. Not indestructible but has a hyper immune system and cannot be harmed by poisons or disease. I very interesting read. There are 3 books and 6 novellas in the series. A tenth book is the Fixer a different character but a descendant of a character in the Main series and an Alex Verus light character who can see the future.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Haven't run across those Bob. Thanks, I just picked the first up.

[Robert]

Mike: Enjoy them. Very different style and very enjoyable. One novel and several novellas. Adam in "The Immortal" is the full length novel while the rest of the series are novellas. I like the way Adam looks at life as a man who has existed from the dawn of time. Let me know what you think.

[Monica, White Council]

I haven't really looked through this thread, since I already have so many books in my to-read list, I wasn't looking to add any. But I took a peek today and was reminded that, one, you guys are hilarious :-D (we really need a Like button!) and two, there are SO many good books out there!

So many books, so little time...

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

The sad thing Monica is when we're unintentionally hilarious....

I'm more than half way through Immortal and it's surprising. At first I wasn't taken with it but it drew me in.

[Robin]

Haven't been on this thread for a while, I've just started reading through the MHI books. Liking the first book so far. I've been meaning to get around to Alex Verus and Peter Grant, the comments have reminded me to push both series to the top of my TBR list.

[Robin]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "The sad thing Monica is when we're unintentionally hilarious....

*grinss*

[Holly]

I wasn't that taken by the Alex Verus series for the first book - Alex was cold, aloof, and pretty joyless. But I kept reading and I just binge-read books 4, 5, and 6 and am so hooked now. It was Verus opening up to other people, accepting an apprentice, and forging friendships (and the peril of that wider exposure and emotional tension) that really made the series work for me. So if you think book one is a little cold, keep reading!

[Robert]

Free Book! Gene Doucette, author of The Immortal has posted on his facebook account:

"I'm trying something new in an effort to drum up interest in the Chronicles on other platforms. I've made the first book free everywhere... except Amazon, which doesn't do free. (Actual free book is the Immortal at Sea!)

I know you're thinking "what are you talking about, they have a ton of free books." They allow books in Select to go free for up to 5 days, but Immortal at Sea isn't in Select, and I'm looking for a more long-term option.

So, there's this idea called permafree. Amazon price-matches when a book is on sale for a lower price at another site. The way to get a book free on Amazon is to lower it to free everywhere ELSE and wait.

The "Immortal" has many excellent reviews on Goodreads. I found it an excellent read and have purchased all of the novellas. So, here is a chance to get a novel for free!

[Al]

Holly wrote: "I just wanted to say that if you are not reading the Ben Aaronovitch "Peter Grant" books (ESPECIALLY in audiobook format as the narrator is fantastic!), go get you some."

I wholeheartedly agree! Although I haven't listened to the audiobooks, the stories themselves are fantastic!

[3crazees]

I really enjoy the Iron Druid series by Kevin Hearne. Love the magic style and plane shifting. I'm also a sucker for anything with an Irish twist. There's some great dialogue between Atticus and Oberon, that reminds me a bit of Harry and Bob.

[Joe]

I had to post. I am on vacation in Mexico and just made the trip to Chichén itzá. It was awesome! I just finished Changes and about halfway through Ghost Story. It was cool to see what Harry was describing and where the Red Court battle took place! I love the Dresden Files.

[Linda]

Joe wrote: "I had to post. I am on vacation in Mexico and just made the trip to Chichén itzá. It was awesome! I just finished Changes and about halfway through Ghost Story. It was cool to see what Harry was d..."

that is so very cool. It is fun to go places that you have read about. It was one reason I picked up the Dresden files. I have visited Chicago many many times

[Lindsay]

I'm reading Immortals series by Gene Doucette that was recently mentioned. I really like it. About 65% through the first one. The main character is interesting and unforgiving.

[3crazees]

Might also try the Sandman Slim series by Richard Kadrey. A bit darker than Dresden, and more of an anti-hero lead, but a great series. Especially if you happen to be a Supernatural fan as well.

[Louisjohn99]

I've read the Sandman Slim and enjoyed them overall. I'm interested to see the direction the arc is going to go after the last novel. The main character is probably on the far extreme of how much of an edge I can personally tolerate, but they're fun stories.

I just finished binge reading the Felix Castor series and really liked them as well. I really liked how the author took the time to try to explain how the exorcists can do the things they do. Not as thoroughly as Butcher does in the DFs, but it adds an extra layer to the world.

I'm moving on to the monster hunter series based on the recommendations here. Also, I agree with the comments about audio books. They're my primary was off "reading" and I definitely think it adds a lot to the story if performed well.

[Lindsay]

Louis, how do you feel about guns? Because MHI is basically just gun porn. Not exaggerating. So if guns really, really get you going, you'll probably enjoy it. But if not, you may want to skip it.

Personally, I didn't like the non-gun porn parts of the book either, minimal though they were. But that's just me.

[Lindsay]

Also, the author is a total asshole. So there's that. Personally, I refuse to purchase or support the works of someone who would hate me on principle, due to my uterus and political views, which often concern the aforementioned uterus.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Lindsay, I detect a bit of...personal opinion there...

There is a female protagonist in MHI and while there is quite a bit of weapon info the books do fall short of what is usually called "gun porn".

Still if you find guns interesting that is a strong portion of the book.

It's true the book(s) are brain candy but then a lot of books in the genre are. I and a lot here like the MHI books and we're not misogynists.

I'm sorry you dislike the books and of course that's your privilege. I must however strongly disagree especially with your last statement.

Maybe try the book yourself Louis and see what you think.

[Bob]

Remember when we had the discussion concerning Alex Verus was anti-feminist and The author Benedict Jacka actually responded to the criticism. In fact his books have several strong women, Luna, Anne, and Caldera to name a few.

[Joe]

Just wanted to post a few books series that are semi-similar to The Dresden Files. Similar in a sense that there are wizards, magicians, gods, etc... Sorry if someone already posted these. Two series by the same author, Trudi Canavan. The Age of Five and The Black Magician Trilogy. Both have strong female leads and both fun to read. :)

[Tessa]

I'm trying to read through the whole thread, but wow! There's a lot here! I haven't seen anyone mention Charles de Lint. While he's nothing like Jim Butcher, his books are definitely UF. I love most of them--mythology, music, tragedy, comedy. They are worthy of the name classic. I haven't read them all yet, but I'm working on it.

Also, no one has mentioned the Greywalker series.Kat Richardson They aren't PNR, they aren't 5 stars, but they're interesting and tide me over between others.

Laura Anne Gilman's Retrievers series is classified as romance, but I really didn't find them too sickening. If you are really anti-PNR, they may be over the line for you.

Last, one of my new favorites is Alex Bledsoe's Tufa series that began with The Hum and the Shiver. These are more like Charles de Lint than anything else--haunting and lyrical would be the adjectives I would use.

Hope someone finds this useful!