Books Like...

"Midnight Riot" in the series "Rivers of London" by Ben Aaronovitch follows the story of Peter Grant, a police constable in London, who unexpectedly becomes an apprentice wizard after encountering a ghost at a crime scene. Grant's new role leads him to work on solving supernatural crimes with Chief Inspector Nightingale, blending magic and modern police work in a parallel London where magic is real but hidden from most people. offers a mix of contemporary London life, magical elements, and a touch of humor, creating an engaging and unique urban fantasy setting.

"Fated" in the "Alex Verus" series by Benedict Jacka is an urban fantasy novel following the protagonist, Alex Verus, a mage with the ability to see into the future. Set in a world where powerful factions of magicians are in conflict, Alex navigates a dangerous path as he becomes entangled in a quest to open an ancient relic containing a powerful weapon. The book explores themes of power, morality, and the consequences of one's choices, all while delivering a fast-paced and action-packed narrative. Written in a style reminiscent of Jim Butcher's "Dresden Files," the story balances world-building with character development, creating an engaging and intriguing urban fantasy setting.

The magic system in "Fated" is both familiar and unique, drawing readers in with its mysterious elements and well-crafted social and political dynamics. The narrative delves into the complexities of living amidst evil forces without succumbing to them, showcasing the growth of the lead character, Alex Verus, and his interactions with a diverse cast of supporting characters. While some aspects of the plot may feel derivative of other urban fantasy works, the book stands out for its engaging hero, intriguing world-building, and the promise of further exploration in subsequent installments of the series.

'Storm Front' in 'The Dresden Files' series by Jim Butcher follows the protagonist Harry Dresden, a wizard and private investigator in Chicago. The story combines elements of noir detective mystery with urban fantasy, as Harry navigates through supernatural events while solving crimes and facing challenges from both human and magical worlds. The writing style is described as fast-paced, engaging, and humorous, with a blend of classic detective storytelling and paranormal elements that keep readers entertained.

'Sandman Slim' is a gritty and dark fantasy novel that follows the story of James Stark, also known as Sandman Slim, who returns to Los Angeles after surviving eleven years in Hell. Seeking revenge on those who betrayed him and killed his girlfriend, Stark navigates a world filled with monsters, demons, angels, and magic. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with dark humor, making it a thrilling and engaging read for fans of urban fantasy and modern noir.

'Rosemary and Rue' is the first book in the 'October Daye' urban fantasy series by Seanan McGuire. The story follows October Toby Daye, a changeling who is half human and half fae, as she navigates a world of supernatural creatures in San Francisco. Toby is a private investigator who gets pulled into solving a murder mystery after being cursed and forced back into the fae world. The book explores themes of identity, betrayal, and resilience as Toby faces challenges and dangers while trying to uncover the truth behind the murder.

The writing style in 'Rosemary and Rue' is a blend of urban fantasy and mystery with a focus on fae folklore and mythology. The plot is filled with twists and turns, featuring a flawed but strong protagonist who must overcome personal struggles and physical obstacles to solve the mystery. The book sets the stage for a richly detailed world where the fae coexist with humans, offering a fresh take on familiar fantasy tropes.

'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman is a contemporary urban fantasy novel that follows Shadow, a man fresh out of prison who is recruited by Mr. Wednesday to assist in rallying forgotten gods from various religions across America for an impending clash. The story delves into the concept of gods existing based on belief, exploring a war between old gods and new gods like media and technology. The plot takes readers on a journey filled with myth, magic, dreams, and visions just beneath the surface of reality, set against the backdrop of tacky American tourist spots and idyllic small towns.

Gaiman's writing style in 'American Gods' is described as stunningly beautiful, clever, and surreal, combining elements of philosophy, mythology, humor, and depth. The novel weaves together various religions' gods into a cohesive and engrossing narrative, providing thought-provoking insights on belief, life, and the relationships between humans and their beliefs. The book incorporates twists, interesting characters, and plot developments that keep readers engaged in a journey that works on multiple levels, offering a mix of entertainment and reflection.

"Moon Called" by Patricia Briggs follows the story of Mercy Thompson, a Volkswagen mechanic who is also a shapeshifter able to transform into a coyote. Living in a small town in Washington state, Mercy navigates her life while trying to maintain peaceful relations with neighboring groups of werewolves and vampires. When a newly turned werewolf seeks her help, Mercy gets entangled in a complex intrigue involving the politics of various supernatural creatures in the area. Despite some clumsy exposition at times, readers are drawn into an alternate world with a captivating mix of characters and engaging storytelling.

Mercy's character is portrayed as a strong, relatable, and likable protagonist who faces challenges and mysteries within a world populated by werewolves, vampires, and faeries. offers a unique blend of paranormal elements, fast-paced action, and intriguing relationships, setting the stage for a series filled with supernatural adventures and unexpected twists.

In "Monster Hunter International" by Larry Correia, readers are introduced to Owen Zastava Pitt, a seemingly ordinary accountant who discovers a hidden world of monsters and is recruited to join a covert monster hunting organization. As Pitt transitions from an office drone to a skilled monster hunter, he navigates through action-packed adventures, battles with supernatural creatures, and forms alliances with a diverse cast of characters. The writing style is described as fast-paced, humorous, and engaging, with detailed descriptions of weaponry, intense action sequences, and a blend of urban fantasy and shoot 'em up elements.

In 'The Devil You Know' by Mike Carey, readers are introduced to Felix Castor, a charming exorcist in London who navigates a world where ghosts and supernatural entities coexist with the living. The plot revolves around Felix being hired to exorcise a ghost haunting an archive museum, leading him into a complex mystery involving prostitution and a web of villains. The story is fast-paced with many twists, satisfying both fans of sci-fi paranormal and detective mysteries.

'Something from the Nightside' by Simon R. Green is a dark fantasy novel that follows the protagonist, John Taylor, as he navigates the mysterious underworld of the Nightside, a hidden part of London where the supernatural and the bizarre coexist. John, a private investigator with a unique talent for finding things, gets drawn back into the Nightside after five years to solve a case involving a missing girl. As he delves deeper into the dark and dangerous world of the Nightside, he uncovers secrets, encounters strange creatures, and faces unexpected challenges. combines elements of fantasy, horror, and hardboiled detective fiction, creating a fast-paced and immersive story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The writing style of 'Something from the Nightside' is described as engaging, with a good balance of humor, horror, and mystery. The author, Simon R. Green, introduces readers to a vividly imagined world filled with unique characters and imaginative settings. The novel is fast-paced, with a mix of dark and light moments, and features a smartass main character, John Taylor, who adds a layer of wit and charm to the narrative. Green's storytelling weaves together elements of noir detective fiction with supernatural elements, creating a compelling and atmospheric read that transports readers to a world where the line between reality and fantasy blurs.