Dresden Files discussion
Novel series like the Dresden Files?
To second Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus series, I took a month to get through Fated (#1), a week to get through Cursed (#2), and I just finished #3 & 4 in 3 days and I've started #5 minutes later. I'll likely be well into #6 before the weekend is over.The interpretation of magic is very different than Dresden, but they are a fun read once you get into it. The first book took me a bit due to establishment of characters, etc. But it's been a fun ride since. I almost wish this world COULD mesh with Dresden's so there could be a cross-over.
Just popped in to see if there were any new recommendations for me to follow up.As another audiobook listener, the narrator is hugely important to me. I've tried several times to get into some of the recommendations on here, but the narrator has been a problem. I can't get into the various series of books by Simon R Green, but the narrator's voice just grates too much. I LOVE Luke Daniels and James Marsters doing narration. Wasn't at all keen on MHI.
It's clear from the length of the thread that everybody likes and dislikes a book for different reasons, so all I can do is try them for myself.
Years ago I would doggedly stick with a book until the end. Now too often I find I just don't care enough about a book to bother doing that - there's plenty of others to read.
Frank wrote: "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 differe..."
I too enjoyed his MHI series. I am currently on #3 of the Grimnoir Series and am enjoying this series as well.
Has anyone picked up the Yancy Lazarus series yet? #1 and #2 were available at a discount on Amazon. #1 is good and #2 is an improvement as I discussed in an earlier post.
I don't think I've seen these books mentioned yet in this thread, but has anyone else started the Laundry Files (starting with the Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...)?I've only ever seen it described as science fiction but it falls four square into the Urban Fantasy box when you read it.
Secret British Government Department set up to prevent us all suffering death and worse at the hands of Lovecraftian horrors. It reminded me of the Peter Grant books by Ben Aaronovitch, which is a bit unfair because the Stross books came first!
Just finished reading through this whole discussion. All I can say is wow! I'm new to this discussion, but I've been a fan of Jim Butcher/The Dresden Files for a long time. I've seen quite a few authors and series here that I've really enjoyed and a few others that are in my TBR pile, but I haven't gotten around to reading just yet.A few authors that have kept me going in between each Dresden Files book are:
Patricia Briggs
Seanan McGuire
Kim Harrison
Anne Bishop
M.L. Brennan
Michelle Sagara
I don't think anyone has mentioned The Generation V Series by M. L. Brennan. Great UF series with an intriguing protagonist, plenty of humor and a very unusual take on the vampire mythos. Another very interesting series is Anne Bishop's Others Series which begins with Written in Red. Minimal romance and an unusual setting. I'm surprised that no one has suggested Michelle Sagara's Chronicles of Elantra Series. It's sort of a hybrid of tradition fantasy and urban fantasy. Again, there's minimal romance, snarky humor and great world-building. The series begins with Cast in Shadow.
I've read the first book in the Alex Verus series and while I thought it was very well-written, I didn't find the main character to be quite as likeable as Harry Dresden, but after reading some of the suggestions here, I think I'll give the second book in the series a try.
Deborah - I initially felt similarly with the Alex Verus series - it didn't compel me to like the characters enough to keep going. But I forced myself to try the second book after a friend enjoyed it and found it to go better. I also found it helped to give Alex a face - my choice was Burn Gorman (Owen Harper from Torchwood). Now I can't stop reading the series.
About MHI and Larry Corriea. Yes, he acted a bit of an ass. There is that sad puppies and rabid puppies mess that he started because he didn't win an award. And some of his protest cohorts are really despicable human beings. There are whole threads on Goodreads about Sad/Rabid puppies so no need to hash it out here.My advice is to ignore his politics. It comes through with his lead character but it fits the lead character so it doesn't matter. Just read the book.
I liked the first in the series. I think most people here will like it as well.
I listened to it on audible and the narrator was top notch. Here is the thing - it is really cheap right now. You can get the audio book for 2 bucks. Here is the link so give it a try:
http://www.audible.com/pd/Sci-Fi-Fant...
Also, the Kindle version of the book is free.
I read the 2nd and it was fine also. It wasn't as good as the first, and I won't be going forward with the series. I have the jest of it. The second book start quickly but then drags at the end.
Somebody up thread referred to the series as gun porn. It is that, but again it fits the character.
At this point, I like the Verus series and I will continue with it. Doesn't mean at some point I won't stop. I stopped the Southern Vampire series after book 8.
Now as to Butcher, I really enjoy listening to him as an author. He doesn't do politics. His youtube videos are entertaining and he is a funny guy. I think most would enjoy listening to him discuss the characters in the Dresden world.
Flashback: Siren's Song is the new novella by James Hunter which adds to the backstory of Yancy Lazarus. This story set in Vietnam chronicles the awakening of Yancy's magical powers. It further elucidates how Yancy's powers emerged and his survival of Vietnam. This novella is very well written and for only 99 cents, it is a great read. Also books one and two of the Lazarus series are still on sale on Amazon. I would say Mr. Hunter's first two novels are very Dresden like!
Last sentence made my ears perk up.
http://benedictjacka.co.uk/extracts/v...Chapter one of Mr. Jacka's book six of Alex Verus Veiled has been posted. Looking forward to the release! Just finished the chapter, do not miss it!
Chosen (Alex Verus #4) is one of my favorites in the series. I gave it five stars on Amazon and most of the readers agreed with all but a few reviews rating the series 4 or 5.In anticipation of Veiled ( due Aug 8) I was perusing a reviewer who gave Chosen a two:
The review follows:
" Hero or villain?
ByAmazon Customeron March 25, 2014
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
A hero is someone who refuses to do evil for any reason, even when it would save his life. That willingness to hold their principles above their own safety, the ability to sacrifice for what they believe in, is how we know them. By contrast, many villains became evil because they chose to do wrong because they felt trapped, couldn't see another way out, or for their own survival. Alex Verus acted like a character who had chosen to be heroic until the end of this volume. There will be many who believe that he was justified in his actions, but those actions weren't right, they were simply expedient.
If someone's primary motivating goal is to survive no matter what, then how can they possibly be trusted? This is why we love idealists. Idealists are the only ones who can hold a principal above their life and who can hold the well-being of others above their own survival. And, unlike the disturbing final situation in this book, idealists never stop looking for an acceptable alternative to solve a problem.
It felt as though the author backed his character into a corner and couldn't think of a better ending, but it makes me uneasy that the author resorted to these tactics which seemed beneath the character. In the end, Alex and Rachel weren't that different. Fear ruled them each in different ways and resulted in their making cold, hard decisions to do the wrong thing for their own reasons.
Alex has some atoning to do."
Is this a negative review? Seems like the reviewer was disappointed (Like Anne) in that Alex let her down. A perused the reviewers earlier reviews of the series and the reviewer gave glowing earlier reviews ratings of 4 and 5.
In some ways this review may tell us more about the reviewer than a criticism of the book. As Alec said to Anne, why is it all right for me to kill when I was saving you, but not alright for me to kill to save myself?
Any thoughts? Is the reviewer a member of this list? Any chance Mr. Jacka ( who has been known to comment on this list) has an opinion?
One of the reasons I enjoy the Verus series so much is that there is moral ambiguity in the actions of the Light and Dark Mages as well as the actions of Mr. Verus.
Waiting on Dresden.Monster Hunters International got better and more entertaining with each book (I could skim weapons if needed, and enjoy.) Elliot James (Pax Arcana) got better and better. To each his own, of course; I enjoy Simon Green, Harry Connelly, Patrica Briggs, Kat Richardson, Seanan McQuire (Incryptid & October Daye) and L.J. Hayward --- found many of those here.....
Looking to bide time, not too much romance or too dark.
Elizabeth wrote: "Waiting on Dresden.Monster Hunters International got better and more entertaining with each book (I could skim weapons if needed, and enjoy.) Elliot James (Pax Arcana) got better and better. To e..."
Take a look at James Hunter's Yancy Lazarus series, very Dresden like.
Two novels in series so far and #2 is much better than the first novel.
Robert - regarding the 2-star review of Chosen, while I do see his point about what an idyllic hero is, I think there is a degree of naivete to think Alex Verus an idyllic hero up to this point. He's been presented from book one as an anti-hero, as a former "villain" who grew a conscience and is looking for a little atonement, but generally speaking just a guy looking to keep him head on his shoulders and maybe do some good in the world (or take some bad out of it) when feasible. Sure a lot of the details were held to the vest prior to this volume, Alex nor the author ever pretended such a past didn't exist. I for one fine this lack of ideal heroic nature refreshingly realistic - the world isn't filled with good guys and bad guys, just guys trying to make due and occasionally rationalizing deeds as necessary to keep the world fitting the shape they need it in. Jacka does well to illustrate not just Verus, but all of the light and dark characters as more than flat archetypes, but victims of their own series of choices.
I hope the reviewer is able to see past this oversight in his perception of Alex to try moving forward through the series - I know I am greatly looking forward to the next volume.
Thanks to whoever recommended the Hellequin Chronicles series. I'm almost through book two and I'm really enjoying it. The stories are fun and the main character is well rounded badass. Similar to Dresden, he understands that he had limits and the power he wields have consequences if mishandled. A great read in the Dresden vein while waiting for the next Alex Verus novel next week. Highly recommend!!!
If you want an antihero, I highly recommend the Immortal Chronicles by Gene Doucette. Adam is 60,000 years old, and has his own take on morality. It's also REALLY well written, imo.
Lindsay wrote: "If you want an antihero, I highly recommend the Immortal Chronicles by Gene Doucette. Adam is 60,000 years old, and has his own take on morality. It's also REALLY well written, imo."Love the Immortal Series by Mr. Doucette, a fun read and an interesting anti-hero. Love the sense of humor. His new novel is about Eve, the elusive redhead. August 4th will see the release of VEILED, the new Alex Verus novel by Benedict Jacka. Looking forward to it!
Holy crap, there's going to be a novel on Eve?! That's really exciting. Is it from her point of view? I can't wait to learn more about her!Edit: I had guessed pretty early on why she hated Adam, but I was only half right. I'm glad they expanded on what I had theorized.
Lindsay wrote: "Holy crap, there's going to be a novel on Eve?! That's really exciting. Is it from her point of view? I can't wait to learn more about her!Edit: I had guessed pretty early on why she hated Adam, ..."
Yes, It is available now on Amazon and Barnes and Nobles. We learn some of Eve's backstory and about her powers!
Finished Veiled today the new Alex Verus novel by Jacka.It is a great read, full of political intrigue and some good action scenes. Once again Jacka weaves a story of Light and Dark Mages, and Verus becomes the unwilling focus of the power struggle of the Light and Dark Mages. This story will not disappoint!
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone who posted. I have picked up a few of the series listed. Nightside Series is my favorite non Dresden set of books. Very simple, sometimes a bit overly grotesque but easy entertaining reads and easy to get attached to the characters.
Alex Verus books are my second. Verus is a great character. His side characters are well developed and the stories are entertaining. The only thing I can call it is by the time I read Veiled, I could predict Alex Verus's actions pretty easily.
Monster Hunters... this series is geared towards government hating, gun nuts BUT it is still an entertaining read. I'm not a fan of the main character but Alpha and Nemesis are great reads because they are mostly through the lens of 2 of the main side characters.
Finished "Veiled" the new Alex Verus novel by Benedict Jacka. Jacka's main character Alex Versus is a diviner. His power is in seeing the future and how his actions interact with future events. He is severely outgunned and physically outmatched by the other Mages. He is the eternal underdog, who must live by his wits and out maneuver his opponents. Through the series, Verus is totally outclassed by his opponents, but like a wounded animal, he is most dangerous when cornered. The author walks a fine line, many readers, myself included are worried that Verus is a one trick pony. While skilled in hand to hand combat and armed with a magical cloak and armor, Verus must always outsmart his opponents, Constantly underestimated by other Mages, Verus navigates this world through guile and deception. Mr. Jacka has great characters and Luna continues to evolve and enhance her powers. Variam and Anne make brief appearances as well as Arachne. In short the gang is all here. The actions scenes are excellent and compelling. One can physically feel Verus fear as he pleads for help from his new partner Caldera. New characters are introduced, the Mage world of the Keepers and the White Council are further elucidated. It is a great read, full of political intrigue and great action scenes. Once again Jacka weaves a story of Light and Dark Mages, and Verus becomes the unwilling "focus" and perhaps unwilling tool in the power struggle of the Light (Levistus) and Dark Mages (Richard and Morden). This story will not disappoint and will leave the reader wanting more!This is my review on Amazon. Over on Mr. Jacka's website the discussion continued and I think many of this group will enjoy the discussion, including some comments by Mr. Jacka as well.
Thanks Robert. I enjoyed your review. I will continue with this series.I like Butcher and will continue with that series as well. The problem with Dresden (for me) is that the bad guys keep becoming more powerful and Dresden becomes more powerful and it just keeps getting bigger and bigger. I expect to hear him yell... "Forzare!" and "a fireball the size of the state of Texas exploded from his ring hurling upward towards the Moon". I really like the more human aspects of the story. But I am still on board to follow the series.
I don't always stay with a series till the end. The Southern Vampire series was really good but I was done at book 8. I like them all. Just was ready to go do something else. The Sookie world was similarly just ever expanding.
With MHI I was done after the second book. First book was really good and second one was OK. But then I was done.
I stayed with Roland Deschain all the way through the Wastelands to the bitter end.
I guess I am pointing out that if Alex is a one trick pony and can't sustain the series, I am good with that. One should enjoy every book without a compulsion to go to the next. Like you, I am right now inclined to want more from Mr. Jacka. I am pleased so far.
Guys available today! "Lies Ripped Open" the new Hellequin novel: Here is the summary from Amazon:Over a hundred years have passed since a group of violent killers went on the rampage, murdering innocent victims for fun. But even back then, sorcerer Nate Garrett, aka Hellequin, knew there was more to it than simple savage pleasure—souls were being stolen.
Nate’s discovery of the souls’ use, and of those supporting the group’s plan, made him question everything he believed.
Now the group Nate thought long dead is back. Violent, angry, and hell-bent on revenge, they have Hellequin firmly in their sights. And if he won’t come willingly, they’ll take those closest to him first.
The battle begins again.
Already has two 5 star reviews!
I really like the Seanan Mcguire "Toby Daye" series starting with "Rosemary and Rue." The first book was good, but the second book and beyond were enthralling and amazing. For me, the Toby Daye books brought me to Dresden, so I'd reckon the inverse would be true as well. Toby reminds me of Dresden (I'm only 3/4 way through the first Dresden book but I've read all the Toby Daye books to date) with their dark humor and grumpy (for good reason!) but kind attitude and the supporting cast of interesting friends and associates.
Has anyone who has read all of both these series have a recommendation? I think after I'm done with Dresden, I'll try out the Harry Connolly series.
I never read the Toby date series but I will certainly give it a try. One author you may want to try is Wesley chu. I have only read a few of his books but they seem to have a Jim butcher feel to them .
Closest novels to Dresden are the Alex Verus series! Most of this group who have read Verus seem to agree. The Harry Connolly series also recommended by Butcher himself ( he endorses the Verus series too) is a very dark series. Unfortunately, the series was cancelled after the third novel.
Agree with Robert. Just finished the 3rd Alex Verus novel (audible version). I will be moving forward with the series. Good stuff.
Definitely agree with the verus series, probably the closest in humor, characterization and action. Jacka needs to take a step forward in the next one though imo. Another great series that has the same feel are the hellequin novels, the setting is different than Dresden but they are full of the same fun and adventure. I've read the Wesley chu novels and, while I really like them, I'm not certain they remind me of Dresden. Would love to hear how others feel on those.
Another series that is very close in tone and overall feel to the Dresden Files is the Generation V series by M. L. Brennan. It's urban fantasy with elves, witches, ghouls, etc., but it focuses on a family of vampires. The author has come up with one of the most unique takes on the vampire mythos that I've ever read. The main protagonist is a young immature vampire who is slowly developing into a fully mature vampire and isn't exactly happy about it. At this point in his life, mid-twenties, he's more human than vampire and just wants to continue to live his life as a bit of a slacker. He is kind of a geek. He has a useless degree in film and gets along by just working a series of dead end, low paying jobs. He has no interest in joining the the family business, which basically consist of taking charge of all the supernatural beings within a large chunk of the USA and making sure that most humans remain unaware of the supernatural world. The series has quite a bit of snarky humor, some very interesting characters, and plenty of action. I enjoyed reading it a lot. The first book in the series is Generation V.
Just finished "Lies Ripped Open" the new Hellequin novel.Maintains the action and humor of the series. Also filled with political intrigue and action.
Also I have sung the praises of the new Yancy Lazarus series by James Hunter. It may be the closest to Dresden yet (almost to a fault!). I am not sure if others on this list have read the series yet but it is deeply discounted on Amazon e-book format.
Not Dresdenesque per se, but I recently found the first in a urban fantasy series that is a twist on the usual thing out there--Nice Dragons Finish Last by Rachel Aaron. It's about a twenty-four year old dragon forced to remain in human form and was kicked out of the house by his dragon mother for being "too nice". He has Dresden's good guy compulsion and even has his own Bob--a half-crazy older brother who is a seer.
Nice Dragons Finish Last I've read the first book (there are 2 so far), and it was quite good. The main character is definitely likeable, has humour and the world interesting. Especially considering that his family isn't one of the nicest around... or nice at all.
After great recs from the group: I've caught up on the Yancey Lazarus series and on book 3 of Alex Verus series. Enjoying them al. Great good fillers until Dresden and Cinder Spires are released. I actually am kind of enjoying Age of X series from Richelle Mead as well. Thank you everyone for the suggestions!
Elizabeth wrote: "After great recs from the group: I've caught up on the Yancey Lazarus series and on book 3 of Alex Verus series. Enjoying them al. Great good fillers until Dresden and Cinder Spires are released. I..."You will enjoy Hidden Book 4 of Alex Verus. It is my favorite in the series. Non stop action and a great moral choice for Alex, Anne, and Sonder
Thanks Bob and Robert and others for the suggestions!Thanks! Finished ALL of Alex Verus series. ALL Yancy, Charming, MHI, Greywalker, October Daye, Incriptid, NightCaller, more and more, etc....pretty much everything anyone's suggested here.
I haven't quite caught up on The Nightside. I've enjoyed, but I'm not flying through those as quickly. I haven't started The Grimmoir series, but I guess it's next unless anyone adds something new they have found.
So only a little over a week left until Cinder Spires release. I love Alex and all his friends. Great suggestion. Any more?
Mod
That said, there's nothing egregious that will keep you from enjoying the book(s). I like them and I'm planning to order the next. Jesse is a bit snarky and makes pop culture references. (The book opens with a Bar-B-Que where they are having a snarky T shirt contest.)
Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I just finished A Shot in the Dark. It's the second in the Jesse James Dawson series. Maybe not great and there are a few "logical flaws" in the books magic (that is according to the..."Mike have you tried Yancy Lazarus novels by James Hunter yet? He is currently writing his third novel Wendingo Rising. It is the closest to Butcher's Dresden yet.
Mod
I recently finished the second book in the Chronicles of Amber series by Roger Zelazny and find the main character to be Dresdenesque in his approach and attitude. It's a weird slightly mind-bending fantasy that I find I am enjoying.
Mod
That said the series opens in an urban setting in/on 1970s "our" Earth.
Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I love the Amber books (the first series mostly). Corwin is a little like Dresden in his attitude, though the books are more epic fantasy than urban. That said the series opens in an urban settin..."
I loved the 9 Princes in Amber series. Read it a long time ago, maybe time to revisit series.
Elizabeth wrote: "Thanks Bob and Robert and others for the suggestions!Thanks! Finished ALL of Alex Verus series. ALL Yancy, Charming, MHI, Greywalker, October Daye, Incriptid, NightCaller, more and more, etc....p..."
So what did you think of the Lazarus series? I thought #2 was a vast improvement over #1 and am looking forward to #3.
Elizabeth wrote: "Thanks Bob and Robert and others for the suggestions!...
"So only a little over a week left until Cinder Spires release. I love Alex and all his friends. Great suggestion. Any more?"
If you haven't read them yet, I highly recommend the Rivers of London series by Ben Aaronovitch (which are now being adapted/extended in the form of comics and I think under consideration for a TV adaptation as well).
I've also recently enjoyed the Magicians series by Lev Grossman - definitely not that Dresden-like, but an enjoyable take on magic in the modern world.
Mod
One reason I would not recommend and don't like the Magicians' series by Grossman is that it is TOO gritty and depressing. If I want that kind of realism, I read nonfiction that helps me with my activist/justice bent. There is enough tough stuff to deal with in life without adding to it in fiction. I don't want to dodge these issues, I just REALLY don't care to live through it in main characters. Harry Dresden doesn't turn into a vampire and eat people, he tries to help those who are fighting those urges. And saves many from them.
What I didn't like about The Magicians was the plotlessness. Also I wasn't convinced that Fillory was any good in the first place, which makes it hard to debunk it.
Mod
The thing is people often get very upset when someone else says something negative about their favorite books. We all have different tastes, the really interesting thing is that in spite of us disagreeing on all these other Urban Fantasy and Fantasy books...we all like Dresden.
Dresden Files
Books mentioned in this topic
Trail of Lightning (other topics)Rivers of London (other topics)
Rotherweird (other topics)
Dead Things (other topics)
The Legacy of Gird Omnibus: Surrender None/Liar's Oath (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Ben Aaronovitch (other topics)Stephen Blackmoore (other topics)
Andrew Caldecott (other topics)
Brian McClellan (other topics)
Charles de Lint (other topics)
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I just completed Cursed and rea..."
Many folks think Taken is the best in the series so far. I preferred Chosen, which felt like a Terminator Movie. Any one disagree?