Novel series like the Dresden Files? Showing 801-850 of 1,083

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

I think all of those may have been mentioned "somewhere at some time", but the thread is a long one and books tend to get "re-mentioned" after a while. Not a big deal I'd think.

[Robert]

Strange Magic by James Hunter. New Author's first work. 91 reviews on Amazon and rated 4.2/5.0. An easy read and not a bad first novel by the author. I will definitely read #2 when it comes out. Strange Magic Hunter seems to follow the Butcher philosophy, how badly can I beat up my main character!

Yancy Lazarus is having a bad day: there’s a bullet lodged in his butt cheek, his face looks like the site of a demolition derby, and he’s been saran-wrapped to a banquet table. He never should have answered the phone. Stupid bleeding heart—helping others in his circles is a good way to get dead.

Just ask the gang members ripped to pieces by some kind of demonic nightmare in LA. As a favor to a friend, Yancy agrees to take a little look see into the massacre and boom, he’s stuck in a turf war between two rival gangs, which both think he’s pinch-hitting for the other side. Oh, and there’s also a secretive dark mage with some mean ol’ magical chops and a small army of hyena-faced, body-snatching baddies. It might be time to seriously reconsider some of his life choices.

Yancy is a bluesman, a rambler, a gambler, but not much more. Sure, he can do a little magic—maybe even more than just a little magic—but he knows enough to keep his head down and stay clear of freaky-deaky hoodoo like this business in LA. Somehow though, he’s been set up to take a real bad fall—the kind of very permanent fall that leaves a guy with a toe tag. Unless, of course, he can find out who is responsible for the gangland murders, make peace in the midst of the gang feud, and take out said dark mage before he hexes Yancy into an early retirement. Easy right? Stupid. Bleeding. Heart.

[Damian]

I used to really like the Iron Druid Chronicles, but I've run into a problem with two of the narrators. It's pretty ironic, but I don't like Atticus that much anymore. He's a good narrator, but he seems just a little too childish for me. The man really does act like a twenty year old, and while I like his rants similar to what Dresden rants about, I feel put off by his actions sometimes. Then there's Granuale. She's the apposite. Her actions are usually pretty cool, but she's so willing to be offended about her gender when anybody might even hint something wrong that I flat out flip through her narrations at this point. Owen is definitely the best narrator Hearne has, though. He's completely accepting of everyone, doesn't hold anything back, thinks like an old Irishman, and has a thought process that has made me consider keeping on the Iron Druid chronicles.

[Frank]

Larry Corriea is not an Asshole.

I have met him in person and he is a really nice guy. He is a conservative and he does make provocative statements. I thought SciFi was about hearing from different points of view and thinking outside the box.

That said his writing is not preachy, primarily action & plot. I like MHI and I really like his Grimnoir books

[Cherie]

I love this thread - and I so appreciate the suggestions! I've found several new to me authors I'm really enjoying - jacka, brust and now aaronovitch.
I will say that I tried to cope with MHI at one point - I found it incredibly dull because I have no interest in weaponry but I could seem myself potentially enjoying the tone if I was more interested in the material - however I did give it to a fantasy loving young adult who comes from a gun-loving tradition and he adored it. To each his own, it wasn't for me - and there are plenty of things I might love that others don't.
And Damian I loved Iron Druid but agree that it can get tedious - these characters need some growth and evolution - and the narrator's tone can be too 'young' in my head too.
But keep those suggestions coming!!!

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

I didn't care for iron Druid, the guy seemed to me (for someone 2000 years old) to be pretty juvenile and self involved. He talked about the wreck he made of his attempt at family building made me think that as a parent he made a good druid...

[Tessa]

Yeah, I gave up on Iron Druid--I get bored when the writing is poor, and it got worse and worse. I hear that from #6 on it got better...

[Jeanie]

Iron Druid is definitely an enhanced experience in audio. Luke Daniels makes Aticus more endearing and Oberon such a hoot I don't dare drink too much while listening. I found MHI to be great in audio even though I don't care much about weaponry.

[Tessa]

Thanks, Jeanie--may have to give those a try! I wasn't thrilled with MHI either, even though guns are ok by me, so maybe audio would help with that series, too.

[Lindsay]

I stand by my "gun porn" interpretation. I don't mind reading about weaponry, and actually love learning about older, eastern-origin weapons, but that book felt like the vast majority of it was just weapon infodumps. It got extremely old after awhile, and I ended up just completely skipping those multiple paragraph-long descriptions in an effort to conserve my dwindling enjoyment of the book.

However, I do apologize for my last statement. This is not the time nor the place for discussion on author behavior, and I shouldn't have brought it up in this venue. For me, an author's behavior very often goes hand in hand with how much I enjoy a book. Especially when their speech is as inflammatory and, often, hateful as Correira's has been. If I enjoyed a book before learning of the author's behavior, I can often compartmentalize. As, I mentioned before, I didn't particularly enjoy the book in the first place, so compartmentalizing the series from the author would be too much work for me, with too little reward. All that being said, I do realize now that this is not the proper place for that discussion, and I apologize for posting that here.

Just finished the first Immortals book. It was fantastic. I'll be starting the next one tomorrow.

[Ian]

Thanks all for recommending The Hellequin Chronicles. I read the 3 of them in a week. Can't wait for book four which is out in less than 3 weeks.

For anyone interested in the Hellequin books, UK kindle has book 2 & 3 for only £1 each. An absolute bargain if I do say so myself.

On another note, this thread in general is excellent. I've read all Alex Versus, MHI, Iron Druid and now Hellequin books. Please please please keep the recommendations coming. Just about to start on the Shadow Ops book 1 now.

[Robert]

Lindsay: Don't forget the Immortal at Sea is currently offered for free by the author Gene Doucette!

"if you’ve been around for long enough, you’re bound to experience a few unpleasant things: fires, earthquakes, avalanches, volcanoes, sometimes all on the same afternoon. Boats, I can tell you from first-hand experience, sink. A lot. Sometimes it’s because whoever made the boat for you made a crappy boat. Maybe you made a crappy boat. There is also the occasional psychotically malevolent storm that doesn’t care how well designed your boat is. When you encounter something like that, and the thing you were relying upon to keep you alive ends up sinking, you really want to know you’re not too far from the safety of solid ground.

Oh, and here’s another thing to worry about when you’re in a boat: sea serpents."
--Adam the immortal

[Robert]

Prison of Hope (Hellequin Chronicles #4)
by Steve McHugh (Goodreads Author)
4.43 of 5 stars 4.43 · rating details · 37 ratings · 15 reviews
Long ago, Olympian gods imprisoned the demon Pandora in a human—Hope—creating a creature whose only purpose was chaos and death. Remorseful, the gods locked Pandora away in Tartarus, ruled by Hades.

Now, centuries later, Pandora escapes. Nate Garrett, a 1,600-year-old sorcerer, is sent to recapture her and discovers her plan to disrupt the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games, killing

...more
Publication date 4/14/15 !

[Tessa]

Just finished Discount Armageddon and loved it--much better than the October Daye series.

[Robert]

Last chance to get the free copy of Gene Doucette's The Immortal at Sea. The author has given away 3000 copies, and will be discontinuing the free give away soon! Free give away is ending this weekend (4/10/2015) so get it now!

[Bill (Just a)]

So... I tried MHI because it was supposed to be like Dresden Files. It isn't. It isn't even close. I read the first two MHI. They were OK. I don't dislike them even with the political content. I just don't care to read anymore.

I did this with Sookie Stackhouse which I liked better than Owen Pitt. After 8 books, I was done.

That is the thing with The Dresden Files. I am still panting for more.

I have read one Alex Veras book - "Fated". That feels better to me. I have another Alex Veras on deck.

[Cherie]

LOL I did the exact same thing - try the peter grant series by ben aaronovitch - I'm really enjoying them - they're very different but are satsifying - the audiobook is also great [as is the dresden audiobook] - a wonderful narrator. I'm on the last one and am already sad because the next dresden is a million years away.

[Robert]

The audiobooks of Alex Verus are also very good! The series gets better with every novel. Although my favorite is Chosen!

[Cherie]

I'm listening to those too :) and I agree - starting the second in a bit

[Donald]

Ian wrote: "Thanks all for recommending The Hellequin Chronicles. I read the 3 of them in a week. Can't wait for book four which is out in less than 3 weeks.

For anyone interested in the Hellequin books, UK ..."
Does the Hellequin series have the same kind of humor as the Dresden series?

[Louisjohn99]

I just had to throw my opinion on MHI. I'm a little more than halfway through the first MHI book, just aa I have been for about the past month. I'm really having a hard time making my way through it. That's saying something for me since I'm listening to the audiobook and I typically tear through a book a week.

I think the main problem I'm having with it is I'm not a fan of the writing. When I first started binging books, Clive Cussler was my gateway into audiobooks. After listening to ten or twelve of them, I fell into the Dresden files and the urban fantasy genre and never looked back. Many of the urban fantasy books I've listened to are very well written, but I can't say the same for MHI. I've been listening to this book and and it's the same bland writing as I heard, and got sick of, as almost any of the Dirk Pitt novels. I don't even mind the constant descriptions of the weapons in the book (probably because I got used to the near constant descriptions of the vehicles in the Cussler novels). I'm just having the hardest time getting drawn in.

I don't want to bash Larry Correria, or Clive Cussler for that matter, but I think I'm coming to the conclusion that the Monster Hunter series isn't for me. It hasn't captured me like the Dresden files or the Alex Versus or the Felix Castor novels have. It's I've where the further I get into the book, the quicker I'm losing interest in finishing it. It's just my opinion, but I really think it's the way it's written that's turning me off to it. If someone here were to ask me if MHI is like the Dresden files, I'd haft to say no. It's just not as well written as a lot of other urban fantasy novels I've read. I do think it's worth the try just like any other book. People should try something and form their own opinion about it.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Look, we've been over some of this before. Many of us are huge fans of MHI. I get that isn't true of many others. I try to steer clear of saying things like books are "bad" (not saying you did by the way). It's simply that while all of us here like The Dresden Files we disagree on other titles.

The Hellequin Chronicles, no they don't have the humor of Dresden. they do have a bit of humor, but it's not the same. I like them, but not so much as Dresden. Others will feel differently.

Benedict Jacka, I'd rate his Alex Verus books as the closest to Dresden, but others would name some other series.

So all i can say here is maybe when someone likes or dislikes a book or author maybe check and see if you often agree or disagree with them

Personally I like the MHI books, enjoy them greatly. So, to each I suppose. Personally I'm lukewarm about the Ben Aaronovitch, Peter Grant books. Many love them. I've never liked anything by Ilona Andrews but many here would rate her their favorite author.

As noted, matter of taste.

[Bill (Just a)]

Louisjohn99 said...

"I'm a little more than halfway through the first MHI book, just aa I have been for about the past month. I'm really having a hard time making my way through it."

In my opinion Larry needs an editor. The books drag out way to much. Vendatta starts like a Tesla at the drag strap. Bam - all out; thrown back, hang on, here we go. But then it drags on too long.

I gave it 3 stars. For me 3 stars is a good rating.

Louisjohn99 jump past the urban fantasy genre a bit. There are a ton of things including classics. But if you want to stay close move a step over to Horror/Fantasy. Check out Stephen King/Peter Straub Talisman series. The long awaited 3rd in the trilogy is expected this year.

[Cherie]

Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "Look, we've been over some of this before. Many of us are huge fans of MHI. I get that isn't true of many others. I try to steer clear of saying things like books are "bad" (not saying you did by t..."
I agree Mike - those MHI books are NOT for me - but I'm glad I gave them a shot - this thread has found me some great stuff :) And I'm grateful but yes we're all different! So I hope everyone keeps recommending!

[Torry]

I'm in the middle of mhi book two and really feel like he's writing mini TV episodes that are about 4 chapters each. Opening, conflict, interlude, resolution, repeat. Kind of drags the continuity down a bit but all in all I do enjoy them. For my money the versus series has been the closest to Dresden, thanks to all that recommended it!!

[Tasula]

Tessa wrote: "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 defin..."
Good suggestions, I have enjoyed all the authors you mentioned, esp. Alex Bledsoe (not only the Hum and Shiver series, but his non-UF fantasy series about sword jockey Eddie Lacrosse). For anyone (Like Ian) still looking for UF suggestions similar to Dresden (God bless him), here are a few that were probably already mentioned, but may keep you from having to slog through the long thread. Happy reading.
The Devil You Know (Felix Castor is the "hero"-more serious than Dresden, no vamps or shifters)
The Nymphos of Rocky Flats (hero is a vamp detective, always in a jam, humorous)
Already Dead
Magic Bites female and male leads- shifters and vamps and weird demon creatures

These authors are not necessarily Dresdenish, but write really good UF (varied types):
Charlie Huston
Ian Tregillis (WW II setting)
Daniel O'Malley
Karen Chance (esp the Midnight's Daughter series, fun)
Richard Kadrey
Glenn Duncan (The Last Werewolf)
Jess Haines
Jennifer Rardin
Harry Connolly (Child of Fire) demons
Kim Newman (vamps in Victorian England, and later in the heyday of Hollywood- Johnny Alucard)
David Devereux (magic)
Steve Bein
MLN Hanover
F Paul Wilson
TA Pratt (witchcraft- snarky female lead)
Faith Hunter (Skinwalker series)

[Louisjohn99]

Forney_Bill: I should have specified that while urban fantasy is my current genre of choice, it's far from the only one I've read. I've read a lot of horror/fiction by Stephen king (absolutely loved the dark tower series, highly recommend that one) and Anne rice. I've also read a lot of thriller and mystery novels too. I love Dan Brown and Jeffrey Deaver. JK Rowling is one of my favorites modern writers and I love Arthur Conan Doyle and Victor Hugo for classics. I think the only genre that I haven't done too much dabbling is high fantasy, but I did give George RR Martin's fire and ice series a read.

Urban fantasy has become my go to favorite but it's far from the only one I read. I just love this thread because of all the recommendations I've seen. It's made my "to read"pile super high.

[Mike (the Paladin), White Council]

Tasula mentioned the Eddie Lacrosse sword jockey books, have you tried those? I'm a little more "flexible" about the definition of "Urban Fantasy" than others. I'm cool with that, we can't all agree. But just because a book takes place in a more "fantasy world" type setting I don't see why it can't be called "UF" if it takes place in an Urban setting. Eddie is a sort of "hard-boiled private eye" type in a sword and sorcery world. A bit different.

Also in that same arena Lisa Shearin wrote/writes the Raine Benares series which is much like the Eddie Lacrosse setting, inner city but a fantasy city. I kind of burned out on those after the second book but I keep meaning to give the series another chance.

Anyway those are sort of "in between genre" books.

[Robert]

http://www.theonceandfuturepodcast.com/

Podcast #80 is up and it is Benedict Jacka author of Alec Verus!

[Bill (Just a)]

This is a Q&A with Butcher. I thought this interesting...

Question:

Dear Jim,
I've spent an inordinate amount of time rereading The Dresden Files and just wanted to say thanks for all the joy your books have brought.
1)Do you have a favorite character in The Dresden Files besides Harry?
2)Do you have an under appreciated fantasy novel you think we should all check out?

Answer:

1) I like most of them a great deal. :)
2) If you haven't read Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus novels, you should check them out.

More here:

http://www.reddit.com/r/books/comment...

[Cherie]

Well I'm glad I stopped by . . . I'm on book 3 of alex verus and I'm struggling! Can't even listen at the gym - I just don't give a hoot about the characters except Saunders for some reason - the others seem so flat. Glad to hear they improve over time.

I did enjoy the first libromancer but can't make progress on the second! someday I'll go back :)

I finished the Peter Grant books available and really enjoyed them so much- highly recommended especially in audio as I believe Holly mentioned - he's perfect.

I stopped by to get some new ideas to go forward and I appreciate everyone's input so much!

[Cherie]

Just a quick note - went to add some things to my audible list

The Hellequin books are currently only $7.xx at audible - I had a $10 credit from 'april listening month' to use but even without that's cheap :)

[wayword_witch]

@Cherie I read the first Alex Verus novel last year and while I have the second book, I have yet to crack it open.

[Robert]

Cherie and Natasha, many of us love the Alex Verus series. Any thoughts on why you haven't been able to get into the series?

[Cherie]

I know folks love it Robert - and I have enjoyed the other things suggested. I'm trying.
First I don't really like Alex - I mean, I don't dislike him, but he's sort of blah to me. He feels very much like a passive person who simply reacts to things and when it's reactions to things that haven't even happened - it's even less interesting.
I don't particularly like Luna either
I prefer when there are more personal relationships - seems like they both held themselves so apart - for reasons I an understand - but it makes me not care.
I love Arachne and Saunders [forgive spelling mistakes - I'm listening not reading print] but they're not significant at this point [half through third].
I'm enjoying the new characters introduced into the third thus far, Ann and the others, and am hopeful that it will continue to improve.
I think the lack of humor in Alex's personality is a downer too . . .

Better yet, what is it you all love about them?

[Bill (Just a)]

I think there is a bit of humor as I recall. It's been awhile since I listened but I recall the toss back to Dresden in book 1.

I like the world building so far. The magic systems are well defined and Alex's position in those systems; I like that his power is not an active power. I liked Luna and Starbreeze as the supporting characters. Starbreeze reminds me a bit of Toot-toot.

All Urban fantasy require a large suspension of disbelief and this one is no different. Probably the person for me that most made the unnatural seem natural is Anne Rice and that's a difficult standard to achieve. But in keeping with topic of this thread it is very Dresden like although the protagonist are a bit different in approach. Both characters will be flawed and that will be used to place them in difficult circumstance.

If you are listening like I am there is a bit of an issue with narration in comparison to Dresden. Gildart Jackson does a fine job but he isn't James Marsters (Spike). But then Spike had a bit of an issue in the early Dresden Books. The narration is fine - just have to get used to it.

It isn't Dresden but than what is? It seems closer than the other series I tried for the limited amount I have listened. I completed book 1. Book 2 is awaiting listening. But like many book lovers my list is diverse and not composed of a single sub-genre of SF/F.

[Cherie]

I agree that the narrator is good but not fabulous. But in reading your comment I think that the passivity is part of my problem - not an insurmountable one of course.

I found book 2 a bore in the middle - such is life - I'm enjoying 3 more.

My list is also diverse, but when I'm looking for something that will get me through the gym, well I guess my standards get raised LOL!

[Bill (Just a)]

What follows is my opinion.

You have to beat up the hero. Always been that way since Buffy. I listened to Jim Butcher talk about poor Harry Dresden just getting the snot beat out of him all the time. His explanation was by way of a conversation between Michelle Giller and Joss Whedon.

He said Michelle Giller had to do about 5 takes of a scene that was particularly hard for Buffy - angst if you will. She complained to Joss Whedon about having to do so many takes when it really was painful. Joss Whedon tells her that the whole Buffy series is built on Buffy's pain.

So it is with the better urban fantasy. The passive power puts Alex in danger. He can't just blow people up. It creates the necessary conflict. Even Superman had to have Kryptonite to limit his abilities.

I do understand brain candy. That's what these books are good for. Just getting you through an activity when you don't have to think too much. Book 1 was that for me. Sorry to hear book 2 drags in the middle but glad book 3 is better.

At some point one has to decide when he(she) is done with the series. I am not there yet with Dresden but I admit that as the foes grow and Harry's powers grow, I am less motivated. Still, I will get book 16 ("Peace Talks") and move it to the front of the "To Be Listened" (TBL) list.

MHI was good for two books. I am done with MHI.

Sookie fans I am sure consumed all of Charlene Harris works but for me, I quit at book 8. I enjoyed them and maybe I will return, but right now I am done.

I stayed with Harry Potter to the end. I am glad it came to an end.

With King's "Dark Tower" series, I went to the end and was glad I did.

How far will I go with Alex? Not sure yet. I like what I saw so far. But life is too short and there is too much material to get married to a series. Cherie, it may well be that when I get to where you are, I might feel the exact same way as you do.

[Robert]

http://authorstalkaboutit.com/the-imm...

Gene Doucette on his Immortal Trilogy

[wayword_witch]

I don't know why I've not picked up the second book. I liked the first well enough and I'm usually a sucker for a series. Maybe it was just the timing. I was looking for something to read while waiting for a couple of other series to wrap up and then I started a Dresden Files reread and I just never went back. I have a few books to get through now as I'm almost through my second round of Skin Game. I guess I just didn't feel all that invested into Alex when I read it as I was so immersed into those other series that even now, it's difficult to get into other books.

[Cherie]

Well I had to come back to report, at least for Bill and Natasha LOL

In truth I didn't love the first two dresden files either - I did like them, but felt they dragged at times. By book three I was in love.

Alex Verus 3 is a huge improvement. There were no moments I felt the urge to fast forward [audiobook] and by the end I was really enjoying the books.

I had a little revelation for myself - I think I'm unhappy with a book when the character feels too alone.

I loved Harry Potter 3 because Harry got a 'family' of sorts in Sirius

While Alex shows that he feels responsible for people in 2, by the end of three you understand that he really cares enough to open himself up to the relationships.

So I'm in to go forward, and I encourage you to do the same when you have time!

Also - whoever suggested Hellequin - thanks :) I'm midway through book one and am enjoying it very much! Yes there is some humor, there is action for those it's important for, I wouldn't give it to my fantasy loving younger kids because the sex is a little explicit [not sure if that's true in the books past #1] but it's not overwhelming. The story is holding my interest and while the time shifts make it ever so slightly disjointed I think it's handled very well and I'm enjoying both storylines - which is unusual for ME when things go back and forth in time to two tracks - I usually get through one to get to the next that I like better.

[Bill (Just a)]

Thanks Cherie. Glad to hear.

[Robert]

New Lawson Vampire novel is out by Jon Merz. Jon is self selling the novel so you will have to go to his website. It is available in paper or on e-book as well

[Robert]

Just Finished Cold Hearted: A Yancy Lazarus novel episode 2. This story is so Butcheresque that I can't wait for others on this list to give this series a read.Novels one and two are available for 99 cents on Amazon!

Yancy Lazarus just wants to be left alone. He wants to play his blues music, smoke a few cigarettes, and otherwise leave the supernatural world to fend for itself.

He especially wants to be left alone by the Guild of the Staff—the mage ruling body—where he used to work as a Fix-It man. But when a little kid gets nabbed by an ancient Fae creature from the nether regions of Winter and the Guild refuses to set things right, he just can’t seem to heed good sense and leave things be.

Nothing’s ever easy though. Turns out, the kidnapping is just the tip of one big ol’ iceberg of pain and trouble. It seems some nefarious force is working behind the scenes to try and unhinge the tenuous balance between the supernatural nations and usher in a new world order. So now, if Yancy ever hopes to see the bottom of another beer bottle, he’s gonna have to partner up with an FBI agent—an agent who’s been hunting him for years—in order to bring down a nigh-immortal, douchebag mage from a different era. And to top it off, Yancy’s gonna have to pull it off without his magical powers … Boy, some days just aren’t worth getting out of bed for.

[Robert]

Cherie wrote: "Well I had to come back to report, at least for Bill and Natasha LOL

In truth I didn't love the first two dresden files either - I did like them, but felt they dragged at times. By book three I w..."

Just wait until you read Book 4 Chosen by Jacka. This is a non stop action ride!

[Robert]

Bill (Just a) wrote: "Louisjohn99 said...

"I'm a little more than halfway through the first MHI book, just aa I have been for about the past month. I'm really having a hard time making my way through it."

In my opini..."
I just watched an interview on MHI by Larry Correia, he self published the first book without an editor. I have just finished #1 and #2. After self publishing #1 he received a contract for number 2 and I believe the writing does improve.

[Bill (Just a)]

I actually thought the first MHI book was better than the second.

Thanks for the update on Jacka. I am looking forward to going further with the series.

[Robert]

Fated by Benedict Jacka on sale on Amazon for $1.99!

[Robert]

Monster Hunter Nemesis

Just finished Monster Hunter Nemesis #5 in the series. I have enjoyed the series although I would agree if your not into guns and mayhem this series may not be for everyone. In this novel we learn more about Agent Franks and something more about the grand plan of the series.

[Bill (Just a)]

Following up on Robert's find, Fated has a Whispersync deal. Buy the kindle at 1.99 and get the audible book for 3.49. That's $5.48 total. Pretty darn good deal.

I just completed Cursed and really liked it. Now that Robert made me look (thanks, Robert), I see the third in the series (Taken) is only 5.80 + 3.49 = 9.29. Not a bad Whispersync deal on that one either.