Dresden Files discussion
Novel series like the Dresden Files?
I've actually published my own "paranormal urban horror" novel, called The Good Fight :) The paranormal element is more of a sci-fi angle than a fantasy one, but I took a lot of inspiration for the action scenes and how exposition is given out from Dresden Files.
For all the Alex Verus fans, the entire series of audio books is posted on you-tube. Just listened to Chosen book 4 and the awesome final fight scene in which Alex faces off against the Night Stalkers and Will. It is a fight scene worthy of a Dresden Files finale.Also listened to Dave Mathews "All along the Watch Tower" live at Central Park while listening to the audiobook and it was spectacular. Give it a listen.
Coming this week the new Yancy Lazarus novel #4 Savage Prophet by James Hunter:Synopsis from Amazon:
Legions of murderous undead, Haitian voodoo, and a five-thousand-year-old serpent god.
Yeah, ’cause that’s exactly what Yancy Lazarus needs in his life: more complications. As if being the Hand of Fate and the newly appointed guardian over one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse wasn’t headache enough.
All Yancy wants is an easy life on the open road—chock-full of ribs, beer, cigarettes, and smoky bars blaring with gritty blues music—but that just isn’t in the cards. Nope, not anymore. He’s been charged with saving the world, and now that he’s got a no-shit demon riding shotgun in his head, he’s sorta committed to the cause.
If Yancy can’t sort through this colossal heap of bullshit, he’s coffin bound. But, he’s not dead yet. In fact, he even has a lead.
Turns out one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse—the pale Rider, Death—is slumming around in one of Yancy’s old haunts. In order to corner this new threat, though, Yancy’s gonna have to face some deadly supernatural nightmares from his distant past. And, to make matters worse, he’s not the only one trailing the Pale Rider. A powerful new mage with some serious magical chops is also aiming to find the Fourth Seal and he’ll do whatever it takes to win. Even if it means hurting those closest to Yancy … like FBI Agent Nicole Ferraro.
Thanks for the updates folks. I struggle with Verus as I've whined before but now I'm actually wondering if my problem is the audiobook - the narrator doesn't sound likeable. Not for the part. I'll grab a book [I think I'm up to four] and see if a straight read is better.I did love pax arcana - bummed the fourth book is not on audio yet!
I have a feeling Yancy Lazarus may be too military/actiony for me, but I found this is FREE for kindle on amazon - a prequel novella - it says chronologically it's 2.5, but set years before 1. I'll give it a shot and move on from there.
https://smile.amazon.com/Flashback-Si...
Has anyone added The Iron Druid series?
I know it's been discussed - it's starting to bore me Mike! Sigh
Mike wrote: "Has anyone added The Iron Druid series?"I just finished my first Druid novel on Audible. It isn't Dresden. It is pretty entertaining. I thought it started out weak and got better. There are series I like better including the Verus series.
Heck I even liked "My Life as a White Trash Zombie" which is an audiobook I bought on a lark because it was on sale and ended up enjoying it more than I thought. It has a lot of humor in it.
I was surprised to find it was part of an Urban Fantasy series. I may revisit that world. That girl had a lot of brains - some for breakfast, some for lunch .....
They are entertaining - but it's starting to get old - same formula and no real progress in the arc story
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Cherie wrote: "Thanks for the updates folks. I struggle with Verus as I've whined before but now I'm actually wondering if my problem is the audiobook - the narrator doesn't sound likeable. Not for the part. I'll..."Chosen is my favorite of the Verus series. Non stop action and Verus makes the hard choices in the climatic ending. Verus at his most diabolical and not happy about the choices he has to make!
Bill (Just a) wrote: "Mike wrote: "Has anyone added The Iron Druid series?"I just finished my first Druid novel on Audible. It isn't Dresden. It is pretty entertaining. I thought it started out weak and got better. Th..."
The best part of the series is the dog Oberon, who provides the comedy relief in the series. Just read the new novella, The Purloined Poodle which is a laugh riot!
Cherie wrote: "Thanks for the updates folks. I struggle with Verus as I've whined before but now I'm actually wondering if my problem is the audiobook - the narrator doesn't sound likeable. Not for the part. I'll..."The author of the Yancy Lazarus series is a combat vet who served in Iraq. His stories are not militaristic however and more along the line of urban fantasy combat. Monster Hunters international is very militaristic and gun oriented, although I enjoy those as well ( new novel just came out ).
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MHI lasted 2 books for me. It was one that many Dresden fans liked but I don't find it much like the Dresden Files. I would be willing to give Yancy a try.
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Thanks Mike. So many books - so little time. I think I will pass on Correia. Beyond Urban Fantasy and books like Dresden all of a sudden I see lots of SFF series out there.
Bob wrote: "Cherie wrote: "Thanks for the updates folks. I struggle with Verus as I've whined before but now I'm actually wondering if my problem is the audiobook - the narrator doesn't sound likeable. Not for..."I couldn't do MH either - offered it to an appreciative teenaged boy who loved them LOL - just not my cuppa
Not sure if anyone mentioned these but...
Nightwise by R. S. Belcher (book 2 to be released in 2017)
Darker than Dresden Files but very well done IMHO
and by the same author
Brotherhood of the Wheel (might become a series)
also dark and more of a horror-filled but still very good.
Nightwise by R. S. Belcher (book 2 to be released in 2017)
Darker than Dresden Files but very well done IMHO
and by the same author
Brotherhood of the Wheel (might become a series)
also dark and more of a horror-filled but still very good.
Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I keep meaning to get to the Yancy Lazarus books..."The first book shows promise but is just average. The author greatly improves in books 2-4. The latest Savage Prophet maybe the best so far, non stop action and we begin to see the outcomes of the plots elements begun in the earlier novels. The author really torments his main character Yancy Lazarus. Who is descending into Hell in the final scene cliffhanger.
Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I've looked for that to. I can't give one that's in every way like the Dresden books (they're among my favorites). The Monster Hunter International books have some of the same humor and action and …"I was going to suggest that, or even hard magic, which is totally different, but somehow still the same. I really liked Son of the Black Sword too.
I didn't like Justin Gustainis at all, because it was waaay too corny and shallow, and wayy too much like an allegory of all kinds of political things. Now don't get me wrong; I think that racism/homophobia is terrible. I just persoanly really HATE when they start making monster rights be a metaphor for gay/minority rights, and stuff. Gustainis series has "Humans First" group which is obviously trying to be just like a super right wing or something, and he does it very badly. The result is silly. Besides, everyone being mean to each other over politics is already wearing me down in real life. I don't need it in my Urban Fantasy. And there are perfectly good reasons to be weary of creatures who long to drink your blood, and can hypnotize you against your will, and DO IT whenever they want, even though one of them is a cop. The Nightside books are al right, but really just don't have much plot. They are all about shock value and campy GORE. If you like that kind of thing, then that will work nicely for you. But I suggest the Hard Magic series or the Monster Hunter series by Larry Corriea too.
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Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I think my 2nd favorite UF series is Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus series."For me, 2nd place is a tie between Alex Verus and Ben Aaronovitz's Rivers of London series. Character-wise Verus is more interesting, but i like how Peter Grant's issues aren't a direct political quagmire - he's part of the system, not a rebel faction to himself.
Ben wrote: "Mike (the Paladin) wrote: "I think my 2nd favorite UF series is Benedict Jacka's Alex Verus series."For me, 2nd place is a tie between Alex Verus and Ben Aaronovitz's Rivers of London series. Cha..."
That sounds good. Thx 4 tip.
Cherie wrote: "I know it's been discussed - it's starting to bore me Mike! Sigh"I agree. The problem with too many UF heroes is they are complete male Mary Sues. I can not tell you how completely bored I am of UF detectives that gods run in fear when their name is mentioned. Its not difficult to be a smartass and defiant to the bad guys when you know you are wearing plot armor. It starts to come off as less like the hero is brave, and more as the author just wants to get back at the people he is afraid to stand up to, by having his proxy do it in the books.
Mari wrote: "It starts to come off as less like the hero is brave, and more as the author just wants to get back at the people he is afraid to stand up to, by having his proxy do it in the books. ..."Yes, I know author in particular where I think that is true.
Mari wrote: "The problem with too many UF heroes is they are complete male Mary Sues."Very true. Even Dresden has evolved into that to an extent. Early on he was typically the underdog who had to scrape by with his wits and some luck.
Mentioning male Mary Sues brings up another question that I've had trouble finding the answer to: are there any good UF series similar to Dresden where the protagonist is a woman, but PNR isn't a big focus? The closest I've found honestly are Butcher's own short stories that speak from Molly's or Murphy's perspectives.
Thoughts or recommendations?
Ben wrote: "are there any good UF series similar to Dresden where the protagonist is a woman, but PNR isn't a big focus?"Closest I can offer is a stand-alone Except the Queen by Jane Yolen and Midori Snyder.
And the two women main characters are Women of a Certain Age.
Ben wrote: "Even Dresden has evolved into that to an extent. Early on he was typically the underdog who had to scrape by with his wits and some luck.."a natural consequence of developing more powers
Ben wrote: "Mari wrote: "The problem with too many UF heroes is they are complete male Mary Sues."Boundary Crossed (Boundary Magic Book 1)
Melissa F. Olson
The female protagonist is an Afghanistan veteran who is the sole survivor of a ambush. Turns out she is a "boundary witch" and the author does a very good job on the story line which is currently three books. This is the same universe as the Scarlett Bernard series and there is an actual crossover plot between the two series. Neither series is overloaded with romance and I have enjoyed the series so far.
Here is a summary: After her twin sister’s brutal murder, former US Army Sergeant Allison “Lex” Luther vowed to protect her niece, Charlie. So when two vampires try to kidnap the baby, it quickly turns into a fight to the death—Lex’s death, that is.
She wakes up to two shocking discoveries: she has miraculously survived the fight, and baby Charlie is a “null,” gifted with the ability to weaken supernatural forces...and a target for creatures who want to control that power. Determined to guarantee her niece’s safety, Lex makes a deal with the local vampires. She sets out with the mysterious—and undead—“fixer” Quinn to track down whoever’s responsible for the kidnapping, sharpening her newfound magic skills along the way. But the closer she gets to the truth, the more dangerous her powers become.
Boundary Crossed is a dark, thrilling journey into a world where the line between living and dead isn’t nearly as solid as it appears...
Ben wrote: "are there any good UF series similar to Dresden where the protagonist is a woman, but PNR isn't a big focus?"..."
Well... because it was on sale with audible, I picked up My Life as a White Trash Zombie - Written by: Diana Rowland . It was pretty good.
So another sale comes along and there is book 2 -
"Even White Trash Zombies Get the Blues".
I really liked book 1 and looking forward to the second.
You might investigate the Southern Vampire Seires. I read all about Sookie Stackhouse till about book 8.
And... if you can stand a bit of PNR, the Deborah Harkness "All Souls Trilogy" is really pretty good.
You can also watch the old Buffy reruns. We did that recently.
Did we talk about Stilleto? Stiletto? I can't spell it today. It's actually a wonderful book, very funny - not magic but powers. Written from the perspective of the main female character [well two versions of her - starts with her waking up with total amnesia and voiceovers of notes written to her by her former persona] The second came out and I'm not nearly as interested but also written from two female [separate LOL] perspectives. It's not bad, I just miss the main character from the first [who's in it marginally] - we'll see. But the first is totally stand alone.
@Cherie - The first one in the series, the one you're thinking of, is called The Rook, and is indeed from Myfanwy Thomas' perspective :-) It is the first book in The Checquy Files (I hope to Gods i spelled that right xD), and the second book, Stiletto was indeed released earlier this year, told from two different POV's and with a different narrator to the audiobook, so I'm told :-) The narrator on the first book was on point and I loved every minute of it, I highly, highly recommend it, although, seeing as I haven't actually ever posted in this group before and only ever lurk, I don't see why you should trust my opinion on anything... xDSorry to interrupt, nothing to see here, carry on.. O:)
See what happens when I write before coffee? You're absolutely right - the narrators on the second book [stiletto - sheesh I'm getting old] were not bad at all, the first book's narrator was wonderful too - and I am an audio girl and I loved the rook [thank you!] so much! So it was doubly disappointing LOL Thanks Clarissa! Glad you spke up!
No problem :-) I'm glad I could help :-D I thought I'd lend a hand since I think more people should be given the opportunity of discovering The Rook like I was earlier this year myself :-) I think it is a wonderfully funny book but one should be aware that the POV's change between the first and the second book, sadly :-) (I only found out from reading reviews from people who hadn't been aware >_<)..I am all-formats kind of girl, I looove audiobooks with a passion, but I read faster if I read "manually", so, yea :-)
I also really enjoyed The Rook... and have been dithering over whether or not to try Stiletto.The Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs does have some romance, but it is not the main focus and Mercy is a great female character... and it's funny.
I also like Briggs' series, all of them, but especially the other werewolf one. In both of these the romance gets dealt with, then it is just there while lots of cool stuff takes place. I like that. Married people are the most numerous on the planet after all. Why not have happily married people in series? Seconding favorable review for Stiletto. Missed Myfanwy, but it was still fun and interesting. I hope there will be more Chequy Files books.
I like the Alex Verus series a lot, as well. Not as crazy about Rivers of London, but I am definitely reading them all.
How about Charles de Lint? His books are urban fantasy, but very different from Jim Butcher's and yet I really love them. If you haven't tried them, please do.
Another possibility is Victoria Schwab with her A darker shade of magic. It could also be considered pure fantasy, I suppose. IDK. I imagine this will get lots people talking. I think Schwab's MC Kell could become somewhat of a humorous guy, although it is pretty grim right now.
And I am seriously tired of Dresden's Gary Stu aspects. He even came back from the dead. Give me a break. Sheesh.
Oops, sorry, forgot about the MC being a woman bit. Although that is the case with lots of the de Lint books, and somewhat with Schwab.
Clarissa I agree - the Rook is under-noticed I think. I love to read a real book - but with three teens who don't yet drive - I live in my car - so audio it is LOL.Haven't tried de lint but thanks for the recommendation - I can't get into the mercy thompson books unfortunately!
Tessa I seem to be the lone hater of Alex Verus but I ADORE rivers of london etc and am endlessly waiting for the next book - if any of you do audio the narrator is fabulous.
@Cherie - Aah, right, lucky me, I don't have a car, driver's license yes, but really I prefer to let other people drive :-) I do really enjoy taking the bus though, and I walk :-) But maybe distances here in Denmark are shorter? xD I have my audiobooks (or podcasts or music) in my ears when I go out all the time too though :-) I don't need a car for that xDI have the first Alex Verus audiobook from an Audible sale back in February, haven't listened yet though...
What about Ilona Andrews' Kate Daniels series? I've only listened to the first book, I know there's a little/some romance in it, but I don't know how big of a part it will play as the series progresses..? Is that categorised as PNR rather than UF? :-/ I haven't actually scrolled to the bottom of any of the books pages to see which genres were listed there xD
LOL Clarissa - depends where you live I guess - I spent an hour and twenty minutes picking up my son and a few friends from the mall and driving the beasts home - I'm right outside NYC and the traffic is a bear! Audiobooks keep me company :)I do like Kate Daniels - I gave up after a few - just a lot of the same - I go back to the series every so often and pick up another when I want something light. Enjoyable - and yes the romance becomes part of the character development really - I do like them - I should get another when I finish what I'm on!
Charles de Lint was among the very first writers of urban fantasy. Of course, that meant something somewhat different at the time.
Some of the stories from
sound like possible series to look into. Anton Strout and Kat Richardson I think will be moving onto my future tbr.
I don't know if it's been mentioned here, but Robert Aspirin's Myth Adventures series has a Dresden-like mage in what is often a Medieval urban setting. It's funny and the main character grows in strength and eventually maturity. While the setting is often Medieval, this is mainly because the various dimensions they travel to follow an epic fantasy mold. Also, love the audio.
Jeanie wrote: "I don't know if it's been mentioned here, but Robert Aspirin's Myth Adventures series has a Dresden-like mage in what is often a Medieval urban setting. It's funny and the main character grows in s..."Oh I did love Phule's company when I read it years ago - I never did try a Myth book though I considered - thanks for the reminder Jeanie - off to add it to my list
Liked the Kat Richardson books and also liked Laura Gilman's two series, although those are probably PNR. I like Ilona Andrews, but I really think those are PNR. My absolute favorites are Anne Bishop's Others series, but I admit those are PNR. I don't care for Asprin.
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@Cherie - I figured location might play a role xD And, well, if you have the time and you don't mind, I guess it's okay? xD Although I believe they should be compensating you for your efforts, audiobooks don't come cheap..! :-/@Mike - No, I figured they might not be for everyone, but I wasn't sure how prevalent (is that the word? Hmm..) the romance element would get after the first book as I only read/heard that one, which I quite liked, I might add :-) I just never got around to continueing xD
So, so many books to read.. xD
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I started reading the Mercy Thompson series and it's right at the limit of PNR that I can personally stand. I agree that there's a lot of good other stuff in it which puts most of the PNR elements to the side. I only got through the first two novels then I got distracted by another series. It's a series I know I need to get back to because they were fun reads. I'm going through the new Hellequin novel right now "Promise of Wrath". That's been a good action focused series for fans of the Dresden files. I've primarily listened to the audiobook version in this series and they changed the narrator for this novel. He's not as good as the first narrator, which takes away from the experience a little bit for me. It's like when the narrator changed for Ghost Story. I still recommend the Hellequin novels though.
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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From AMAZON:
I’m the guy you come to when your spouse gets bitten by a werewolf, or your honey is kidnapped by a demon. I’m the guy who knows how to save your ass when an evil sorcerer casts a curse on it.
At least, I was that guy until the Society of Shadows sent me to Dearmont, Maine, a sleepy town that had a zero rating on the supernatural occurrences scale.
My plan was to spend my days sitting in the office with nothing to do except drink coffee and eat apple bakes made by Felicity, my new assistant.
But when a woman hires me to find out if her son has been possessed by a demon at a rich kids’ party, and a young man comes to the office insisting he’s been bitten by a werewolf, Dearmont goes from zero to hero.
Oh, and did I mention that someone in the Society wants me dead?
Time to sharpen the swords and go to work