Book Series like this

[Lauren (aplpeach)]

I need a book series that is like this to read but that is finished. I have found a ton, but I have to keep waiting and now I refuse to read them until all books are out because I hate waiting, so I am wondering if there is a series out there that finished but like this one???

[Narin]

Have you tried Fever series by Karen Moning? It's finished and very similar IMHO.

[Marcia]

By "like this," if you mean good urban fantasy, I would recommend the Weather Warden series by Rachael Caine. It's a fantastic fun series with Djinns, and magic, and lots of excitement. Very well written, too. I love the Kate Daniels books (and Ilona Andrews other series, From The Edge) neither of which is finished, so maybe you will love the
Weather Wardens, too. It's totally a unique concept in world building, I think. Or certainly very unusual. No weres or shifters or vampires, but lots of other magical things, including the good (and sometimes the evil) djinns, and ifrits, oracles, and lots of saving the world going on.

If you aren't put off by the concept of Young Adult books (many are very well written, others, not so much so), you might like Vampire Academy. The heroine took some getting used to, but she has a lot of growing up to do through the series, and you begin to like her much better as it progresses. And it has one of the better dhampirs around in the "Warrior God" Dimitri Belikov. He's worth reading the entire series for. Unlike Richelle Mead's adult books, which I find lackluster in the extreme, Vampire Academy managed to build a very interesting world, peopled by dhampirs, moroi, and strigoi...fascinating creatures, all.

There are nine books in the Weather Warden series, starting with Ill Wind. You really have to read them in order to understand what is going on. There are six books in the Vampire Academy series, starting with, ta-da, Vampire Academy, and the same is true.

Hope you like these. I really enjoyed both of them. I'll check to see if I have any other ideas on completed series for you. I know just how hard it is to wait on your favorites. I'm dying for the next in the Magic Bites series, myself. Also the next Dresden Files, Leandros Brothers, and so many more. It's hard to wait!

Marcia

[Susana]

I have recently bought "magic bites" and not yet received it, so i cannot make comparisons with that book, or with any other book by Ilona Andrews. Nonethless, i'm gonna point some of my favourite series.
I dont know if you like Nalini's Singh series, even though they're not finished, you would have plenty of books to read. I really like the psy-changeling series, and the guild-hunters. Also there's Patricia Briggs " Mercy Thompson" series which is very "complete". You have vampires, fae, werewolfes and a wolkswagen mechanic with the ability of transforming herself into a coyote.
There's a book that has the advantage, of not having a sequel, a book of magic, curses and love. It's called "The Lost Enchantress" by Patricia Coughlin, you might want to give it a try.
The fever series by Karen Marie Monning is very addictive, as is the "Rachel Morgan" series by Kim Harrison.
Good readings.

[Lauren (aplpeach)]

Susana wrote: "I have recently bought "magic bites" and not yet received it, so i cannot make comparisons with that book, or with any other book by Ilona Andrews. Nonethless, i'm gonna point some of my favourite ..."

I have read patricia briggs and I love her books. She is writing another mercy book. I believe it is going to be out in 2013 sometime. I have a sample of the first book in the fever series and am going to try to read it later today. I have not looked into Rachel Morgan, but thank you for the suggestion.

[Marcia]

I agree with you, Susana, on the wonderfulness of the Rachel Morgan series, and the Mercy Thompson world, but didn't list them, because I know I'M DYING for the next installments. Especially the Rachel Morgan one, A Perfect Blood, since the last book left me really in the lurch. I was thinking Lauren might want to avoid being left hanging like that, since she's hunting for finished series.

There ARE quite a few books to read in both the Briggs series and the Harrison one, but they are a long way from finished, as far as I can tell, and for me, I have their new releases marked on my calendar a year ahead of time, so I didn't want to be misleading.

I did think of another series that is finished, though. It's a Young Adult series, but VERY well written, and engrossing for any age. It starts with The Forest of Hands and Teeth (the title is what caught my eye at the store), and is a post-apocalyptic novel featuring zombies, believe it or not. NOT my favorite, by any means, but this very dark and profound series really touched me. There are only 3 books, and very much worth reading.

And one more YA series (honestly, that's not all I read, by any means) that I love is the Maggie Stiefvater series of 3 books: Shiver, Linger, and Forever. Werewolves told in a very different and poignant way. I adore these books, as they have a sense of poetry to them, and they really pulled me in.

Still trying to think of more, here....

Marcia

[Aki]

I second the Guild-Hunter Series, and the Fever Series. Barrons and Mac from the fever series make us work for it just like Kate and Curran.

Psy-changeling series has more focus on relationships as opposed to Kate Daniel Series, but it is still enjoyable.

Vampire Academy is also great! Rose (as she grows older) shows signs of an almost identical persona to Kate.

You should also try the October Daye series. Although Toby's actions are frustratingly dumb sometimes when compared to smart and sharp Kate, the plot is brilliant!

[Lauren (aplpeach)]

Marcia wrote: "I agree with you, Susana, on the wonderfulness of the Rachel Morgan series, and the Mercy Thompson world, but didn't list them, because I know I'M DYING for the next installments. Especially the R..."

I have read the linger series, i liked the first two books but fever really ticked me off. There was no sense of finality, and the two of them were never together. It did not feel like their story to me at all. They loved each other but after they "see" each other again they don;t even really embrace, they act like they barely know each other. I have a sample of the first book in Vampire Academy and can;t wait to try it. I have also read and enjoyed, Patricia Briggs, Keri Arthur, and Laurell K Hamilton. I am the same way the minute I know when a new book is going to be released I mark it down and them preorder it as soon as it is available. I hate the waiting game. They say that patience is a virtue, but I don;t mind admitting that when it comes to books in a series I am in love with it is no longer one of my virtues. :-)

[Lauren (aplpeach)]

Lady wrote: "I second the Guild-Hunter Series, and the Fever Series. Barrons and Mac from the fever series make us work for it just like Kate and Curran.

Psy-changeling series has more focus on relationsh..."

Thank you so much for the suggestions. I am definitely writing all of these down and looking into all of them!

[Marcia]

I didn't feel that way at all about Forever, but hey, we all see things differently, and that's great, too. And it did have a very unexpected sort of resolution, I suppose, but one that I thought fit well, for me.

Vampire Academy won't disappoint you with the ending, I feel sure. I'm thinking of reading it again.

I have many wonderful series I love, but it's VERY hard to be all caught up and waiting for the next book, so I really identify with what you are hunting for. So much more fun to read them all back to back, and find out right away (or within a short period of time) how it all works out.

Good luck on finding more completed ones.

Marcia

[Susana]

I sugested the Rachel Morgan series because here in Portugal, the fourth has just been released, and i'm reading the third, so i still have plenty material to read!
I agree with you Marcia, on Maggie Stiefvater books, i just love her writing. Very Lirical.
I would like to follow Lady suggestion of Seanan Macguire. Those October Day books have caught my attention, but i'm having a hard time buying them here.
Now, "The Forest of Hands and teeth", that didn't make for me. No Zombies, for me, thank you very much!

[Lauren (aplpeach)]

Marcia wrote: "I didn't feel that way at all about Forever, but hey, we all see things differently, and that's great, too. And it did have a very unexpected sort of resolution, I suppose, but one that I thought ..."

Thank you for all of your help and suggestions. I am starting the dark fever series right now actually!

[Marcia]

I don't liike zombies, either, Susana, and normally would not read anything with them in it. But these books were such hope-filled books with wonderful life lessons in them...dark, yes, but with a "moral" at the end that I found very life-affirming. And the writing was very strong, too. (If the writing is bad, I'm not going to read the book, no matter what the plot is about.

I wouldn't miss a Rachel Morgan book for anything, either, though the first one didn't really thrill me. I'm so glad I stuck with them. BUT...having said that...the last one left me SCREAMING to know more. I can hardly wait for the new one to come out.

And in addition to Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson series, the spin-off, Alpha & Omega, is even better to me. While I love Mercy and crew, I really REALLY love Charles and Anna. And the A&O series gives you much more insight into the marrock and the politics of the pack. I'm counting the days to #3 in that series, as well.

So many books, so little patience!!!! *grin*

Marcia

[Susana]

Unfortunately my "radar" for good books, doesn't seem to be working properly...
And it's like you said Marcia, so many books!!
It took me forever to decide to buy the first book of the Rachel Morgan series. And i really enjoyed it, being now one of my favourite series. And then there are some books that i buy, expecting it to be incredible, and they're just average, sometimes even less than average.
I' have abandonned J.R. Ward series after 5 books. The writing wasn't working for me anymore. It's always the same.
With the "forest of.." _ i dont remember the author's name _ i just could't get over the zombie part, and the "were all going to die" part. I wasn't even aware that the book had a sequel.
Regarding the Mercy Thompson series,here, "silver borne" supposedly is going to be released in March, so i still have a long time to go.
I have this "rule".
If i start to read a book in english, i will buy all the books that are already available. If i start a series with a portuguese edition, then i will force myself to wait, 3 or 6 months, until the next is released. So i guess, i still have to wait a long time for "alpha & Omega" to be releasead.
Also one of my favourite series is " Women of the Otherworld". I pratically love all the characters. Supposedly the last book " Thirteen" will be released in July.
We'll see.

[Lauren (aplpeach)]

Susana wrote: "Unfortunately my "radar" for good books, doesn't seem to be working properly...
And it's like you said Marcia, so many books!!
It took me forever to decide to buy the first book of the Rachel Mor..."

In the mercy thompson series, Silver Borne is already out. the books that are out for the series already are:
Moon Called
Blood Bound
Iron Kissed
Bone Crossed
Silver Borne
River Marked
the next book comes out in 2013

[Susana]

I was talking of the portuguese edition of "Silver Borne". Normally when i buy an english mass market edition, a couple months later the portuguese edition comes out_ the paperback _ and it's like : " Oh, why couldn't i wait? This cover is so much prettier!! _ Yes, i like a pretty cover. Well, what i want i a good book. But if i can have both, so much the better!!

[Marcia]

Cool covers ROCK, Susana! I am drawn to books with pretty covers...but then I read the reviews pretty carefully before I buy the actual book. (I use my iPhone while in the bookstore to check amazon.com or goodreads).

I can't imagine being able to read a book in my choice of languages! It must be very different...I mean, the plot would surely be the same, but the "sound" of the book would change. Some things might not translate too well, and some expressions, etc, right? Plus, I'm crazy about the construction of sentences...words and more words. I often find myself reading a particular sentence over and over because I love how it's put together. I would guess that some sentences sound better in one language and others in another. ?? But I'll probably never find out, since I think my chances of learning a second language well enough to actually read a whole book are pretty slim at my age. Not impossible. But probably slim.

I envy you, Susana, having that choice!

Lauren, there are so many great series out there. After you have read the ones that are complete, maybe you will try working your way through some of the ones that merely have a lot of books already out there.

As for the Weather Warden series, it is one of my very favorites. Joanne & David are a couple to be reckoned with, and a love that transcends species and worlds! They are amazing. I love everything I've ever read by Rachel Caine, pretty much. Her Morganville Vampire series is a great YA vamp series, and she has a 4-volume Weather Warden spin-off series called The Outcast Season which is fantastic. It's about a fallen djinn, and so well done. Book 4 (the final one) comes out February 7. And she also has a couple of other books with sequels that are very good, too. You won't be sorry if you try Ill Wind. In the beginning, I thought it would be too much about weather patterns, but it doesn't take very long before the roller coaster ride begins, and it never stops until the very last book. Well...since there's a spin-off series, I guess it doesn't stop there, either. It's a great ride!

Marcia

[Susana]

What i like more about being able to read in english, is the "voice" of the characters. Most of the times, they "sound more right"_ i dont know if im making any sense _You're right about that Marcia.
There are some books, that i think, had i read them in portuguese, i wouldn't have like them, as i did reading them in english. Dark- hunter series by Sherrilyn Kenyon, for instance.
And if i happen to have the portuguese and the english version _ which is rare _ i'm always trying to find diferences in the translation!
But i thank you for the sugestion of Rachel Caine, Marcia, it's going to be on my next book order.
And now i bid you all good night!!_ almost two in the morning!!

[Narin]

Lauren wrote: "Marcia wrote: "I didn't feel that way at all about Forever, but hey, we all see things differently, and that's great, too. And it did have a very unexpected sort of resolution, I suppose, but one ..."
I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It's one of my favorite series.

[Lauren (aplpeach)]

Nazrin wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Marcia wrote: "I didn't feel that way at all about Forever, but hey, we all see things differently, and that's great, too. And it did have a very unexpected sort of resolution, I su..."

Thank you for your suggestions! I am always looking for more!

[Narin]

Marcia wrote: "Cool covers ROCK, Susana! I am drawn to books with pretty covers...but then I read the reviews pretty carefully before I buy the actual book. (I use my iPhone while in the bookstore to check amaz..."
Marcia, if you love well written books where you would just read and reread sentences you should check out Jellicoe Road. It is not paranormal or fantasy. It is a wonderful YA book that is written in such a flowing poetic language that I kept returning and rereading certain passages. It is full of sentences that should be highlighted and used as quotes. Though it has a bit of a slow and confusing start, I almost gave up on it in the beginning, but if you stick with it a bit longer everything clears up and the story is just great. I believe it got several literary awards, and it really shows.

[Lauren (aplpeach)]

Have any of you read chicagoland? If so what did you think of it?

[Danielle The Book Huntress]

I'd recommend the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter. They have the tough heroine vibe done well that I love about Ilona Andrews, but she doesn't make it a clone of other female-led UF series. I was very impressed with .

[Narin]

Lauren wrote: "Have any of you read chicagoland? If so what did you think of it?"
It is certainly nice, but it is not finished either. Next book is coming out in August 2012. And I'm not sure if it's the last one in the series or not.
Though I personally was a bit disappointed in the latest book, but I'd still recommend the series.

[Lauren (aplpeach)]

Nazrin wrote: "Lauren wrote: "Have any of you read chicagoland? If so what did you think of it?"
It is certainly nice, but it is not finished either. Next book is coming out in August 2012. And I'm not sure if i..."

Thank you.

[Lauren (aplpeach)]

Lady Danielle "The Book Huntress" wrote: "I'd recommend the Jane Yellowrock series by Faith Hunter. They have the tough heroine vibe done well that I love about Ilona Andrews, but she doesn't make it a clone of other female-led UF series...."

I have tried this book before. I couldn't get into it for some reason, but I seem to come across it and, and since it is a recommendation I think I will give it a try again.

[Marcia]

First, Chicagoland. I loved the series (except for the author's annoying habit of referring to 100 year old vampires who were turned in their 30's as "boys"), but the 4th book made me so mad, I almost had The Big One!!! I threw the book across the room and stormed and ranted for about 2 hours. I have #5 on my Kindle, waiting for me to get up the nerve to read. I know the problem is supposedly "resolved," but I also know there is no real way to fix it believably, without bending the "rules" of that world...which I have strong feelings about authors doing. They create the rules, they need to follow them. But other than that, I really enjoyed the series up through book #3. I have wished several times that I had stopped there...it ended on such a promising note.

I love Jane Yellowrock and have the latest book on my To Be Read stack. Very intriguing world...she sure eats a lot, though, hahaha.

Neither of these 2 series is finished yet, though.

Nazrin, I'm making a note to check out Jellicoe, thanks. I love fine writing above all else, and in spite of my enjoyment of the current glut of urban fantasy, I read many other genres, as well. But I've focused lately on supernatural & U.F. because I've been a vampire fan for over 55 years, and throughout most of that time, the pickings were pretty slim. Now that all things vampity are popular, I can indulge that passion for all it's worth, knowing that soon the fad will wane and I'll be back to only the occasional supernatural book to satisfy the itch.

But, some of my very favorite non-fantasy books that are beautifully written would include Garden Spells, The Sugar Queen, The Girl Who Chased the Moon & The Peach Keeper, by Sarah Addison Allen. (A touch of magic here and there, but not fantasy, really...more poetry in a prose form. Lyrical and lovely.) Also, Love Walked In, Belong To Me, and on my To Be Read pile, Falling Together by Marisa de los Santos, a former poet who writes elegantly. There are loads more that I could throw out there for those of you who might want a change of pace now and then.

And if you haven't read The Dresden Files, you really should. Wizards and vampires and werewolves, oh my!
And the irrepressive Harry Dresden with all his chivalry and snarky humor to pull it all together. A wonderful series that gets better with every single book. It was Jim Butcher's first foray into writing almost anything, and even though the first book is good, it's a bit rough around the edges. Each succeeding book improves dramatically, though, in every way, and by #10 or 11, you can't believe you ever lived in a world without Harry Dresden.

Yikes, I've never done so much posting on here before this thread. I better stop before I hurt something! Haha.

Marcia

[Kelli]

Well, the series isn't finished sadly but I really recommend the Secret McQueen series by Sierra Dean. The series so far has 2 books and the third is due out in 4 days (out March 6th) but there are two novellas that go along with them. Its a good series. Gritty, adult and plenty of witty humor all wrapped into an enjoyable series so far.
Good luck on your book hunt!

:o)

[Danielle]

I just read the first 3 Magic Bites books and I was so glad to finally find something on par with Patricia Briggs. Love Mercy and the Alpha Omega series. I would add Nicole Peelers Jane True series to the list. Although the last books was a bit of a dissapointment compared to the first 3. I liked the Chicagoland series but it went to hell in a hand basket for the last books and a half. I would not recommend the fever series and I would keep JR Ward as a back up for when you don't have anything else to read.

[Feliciabooks]

i love the Elemental Assassin from jennifer estep.
and the night huntress novels from jeaniene frost.
those 2 with the kate daniels series are my top 3!

[[deleted user]]

Lauren (aplpeach) wrote: "I need a book series that is like this to read but that is finished. I have found a ton, but I have to keep waiting and now I refuse to read them until all books are out because I hate waiting, so..."
You might try Faith Hunter's Rogue Mage series. I believe there are just the four books with a heroine and lots of fun "extras".

[Kat]

These books have kept me afloat waiting for the next installment of whatever (some are YA, but still really, really good):

Kate Daniels Series
The edge series
Any+ every other thing Ilona Andrews has written
Poison Study Trilogy -Maria V. Snyder (Magic,fighting)
Inside Out & Outside In -Maria V. Snyder (Space&tunnels)
Anything by Jeaniene Frost -IlonaAndrew's BFF(Start with Halfway to the grave) (Vampires- But in a good way- fighting)
Sophie Kinsella (comedy, no magic other than love, really funny)
Kitty and the Midnight Hour(Werewolves+other shifters-Radio show)
Graceling & Fire by Kristin Cashore (Assassin-ish, Magic) (YA)
Elemental Assassin Series (Start with Spider's Bite) (self-explanatory)
Divergent (post-Apocalypse-fighting-will power)(YA)
Blood Red Road (post apocalypse- gladiatorish- REALLY GOOD)(YA)
Vampire Academy (vampires+dhampirs)(YA)
Shifter Series by Rachel Vincent (were-panthers, fighting)
Blood and Chocolate (Werewolves- good ending)
Mercy Thompson (Wolves+coyotes+vampires+witches+fey)
Alpha& Omega (ditto)
The Hunger Games (who doesn't know?)(YA)
Wake (Dreams)(YA)
Wicked Lovely (fey)(YA)
Girl in the Arena (Gladiator-good) (YA)
Cast In shadow (everything +dragons)
Allison Hewitt is Trapped (zombies- but Good)
Dark Lover + etc. by J.R. Ward (Vampires, kinda exhausting. backup)
Mammoth Book of Paranormal Romance 1 +2 (AHHHH!)

Alot of people like the Sookie Stackhouse Series. I haven't read it yet though- watched the show, though.
I'm going to start reading The Guild Hunters by Nalini Singh, Dark Fever by Karen Morning, and maybe Bitten by Kelley Armstrong soon.
I'm anxiously waiting for Gunmetal Magic, Once Burned, and Fair Game(actually I think this already came out- I'll get to read it soon!) to come out!
I hope this list helps somehow..

[Katlin]

I second the Poison Study trilogy!

[Aurora]

The MJ Holliday series by Victoria Laurie is pretty good. I second the Dresden Files.

[Michielle]

UGH!!! I have so many of those series on my TBR list. I am up to date on the Fever series - which is great. But it is still on going. Same with the Mercy & Alpha and Omega series. I just started with the Kate Daniels, by Ilona Andrews, like it so far. If you want a series that is finished, in a sad way. The author passed away. I have read a a few of the short stories. And they are TERRIFIC!!! I just have to get all the books and I will start the series.
The author is L.A. Banks, and the series are The Vampire Huntress, Crimson Moon, The Dark and Dark Avenger. Let me know how they are.

[Michielle]

And Otherworld/sisters of the Moon, by Yasime Galenorn. But it is also ongoing.

[Michelle]

I loved the Gardella Vampire Chronicles series by Colleen Gleason! Hated to see it end! I think it's five books. Book one is 'The Rest Falls Away'

[Danielle]

Sorry if this has been mentioned before...but I am really enjoying Kalayna Price's series.

Grave Witch
Grave Dance
Grave Memory

Great series, that ranks up there with some of the other ones that have been mentioned!

[Nicola]

I'd second Kalayna Price. Couldn't put them down. Once Bitten is good too.

[Lynn]

Try any of the series by rob Thurman. Even though the books are serialized every book has a definitive ending. Strong protagonists with a heck of a sense of wry humor.

[Kera Lena]

I just started reading this discussion because the Magic Bites series has recently become one of my FAVORITE series. I definitely recommend the Downside Ghosts books by Stacia Kane as a second. I listened to them on overdrive and the woman who does the voices is amazing. There are 5 books right now and the 6th is coming out TBA. Amazing series.

The Poison Studies series is also a favorite. They are very well written and the author, Maria Snyder, came out with another series that is very similar, called Touch of Power (Healer series), and just as wonderfully enticing.

Oddly enough I couldn't get into the Alpha Omega series (even though the summary sounded great), but the Mercy Thompson ones are pretty good.

[Karin]

Some of my favorite fantasy, urban fantasy, UF/PI authors and series are as listed (not meant to be listed in order of favorites).

Skinwalker series by Faith Hunter
ALL series by Patricia Briggs (Several are finished. Check fantasticfiction.com for series titles and book order)
ALL series by Ilona Andrews (several of them are finished)
Bite Back series by Mark Henwick
Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison
Night Huntress series by Jeaniene Frost (finished)
Riley Jensen Guardian series by Keri Arthur (finished)
Alex Craft series by Kalayna Price
Kara Gillian series by Diana Rowland
Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
Vampire for Hire and Jim Knighthorse series by JR Rain
Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris (did not like the tv series, but do like the books-finished)
And even though the Twilight series and Harry Potter series are meant to be YA, I liked those as well(finished as you probably know)

Some of the others listed above may be very good. I've just not had the chance to read them yet. I have just finished the 3rd book in the Bite Back series. Anyone know an author who writes similarly?
Happy reading!

[Dragonsbane]

Lilith Saintcrow, both the Jill Kismet and Dante Valentine series are worth a look and both complete.

[Josephine]

You should try the Shifter series by Rachel Vincent.. Its complete and I really enjoyed reading all of them..

[Shaye]

The Aisling Grey, Guardian Series was very similar and I LOVED them. Wish the author would right some more. She did a couple of spinoffs from the series. Same feel as the Kate Daniels series.