Books Like...
'Dead Witch Walking' by Kim Harrison is an urban fantasy novel that introduces readers to Rachel Morgan, a witch who decides to leave the Federal Inderlander Service to become an independent bounty hunter with her vampire co-worker Ivy and pixy friend Jenks. The story is set in a world where a virus has wiped out a large portion of humanity, allowing supernatural beings like witches, vampires, and pixies to come out of hiding. As Rachel navigates the dangers of her new career, she faces threats from her former employer and must find a way to pay off a death note placed on her head.
The book is praised for its imaginative world-building, complex characters, and fast-paced action. Readers appreciate the addition of fey characters and the unique setting in Cincinnati, where humans and supernatural beings coexist. Despite some initial challenges with pacing and character development, the story quickly picks up speed and keeps readers engaged with its intriguing plot and dynamic interactions between the characters.
If you liked Dead Witch Walking, here are the top 100 books to read next:
- #1
Save:"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.
I didn’t realize he was a werewolf at first. My nose isn’t at its best when surrounded by axle grease and burnt oil—and it’s not like there are a lot of stray werewolves running around. So when someon... - #2
Save:'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.
THE PHONE WAS RINGING. Again. I turned my attention from the rearview mirror and glared at the cellular phone that lay jangling in my passenger seat next to a bag of Fritos and one of Gilly’s coloring... - #3
Save:In "Magic Bites" by Ilona Andrews, readers are introduced to Kate Daniels, a strong and tough mercenary living in a post-apocalyptic Atlanta where magic and technology alternate in dominance. Kate's investigations lead her to battle psychotic creatures, navigate complex power dynamics between different supernatural factions, and uncover dark mysteries that threaten the fragile balance of her world. The writing style is described as dark and intense, with detailed world-building that seamlessly blends elements of magic and technology, creating a unique and captivating urban fantasy setting.
The plot follows Kate as she delves into a series of gruesome killings, facing necromancers, werewolves, vampires, and other mystical beings along the way. The story moves at a fast pace, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with thrilling action scenes and unexpected twists. Kate's character is praised for her strength, wit, and relatability, adding depth to the narrative as she navigates the challenges of her dangerous and unpredictable environment.
I SAT AT A TABLE IN MY SHADOWY KITCHEN, STARING down a bottle of Boone’s Farm Hard Lemonade, when a magic fluctuation hit. My wards shivered and died, leaving my home stripped of its defenses. The TV ... - #4Dead Until DarkBook 1 in the series:Sookie Stackhouse
Save:Dead Until Dark is a paranormal romance novel set in a small Southern town, focusing on the telepathic protagonist Sookie Stackhouse and her encounters with vampires. The book follows Sookie as she navigates a world where vampires have come out of hiding, solving a murder mystery while dealing with romantic entanglements. The writing style is described as engaging, light, and fun, blending elements of mystery, romance, and fantasy to create an entertaining and addictive read.
Ever since vampires came out of the coffin (as they laughingly put it) four years ago, I’d hoped one would come to Bon Temps. We had all the other minorities in our little town—why not the newest, the... - #5
Save:'Bitten' by Kelley Armstrong follows the story of Elena Michaels, the only female werewolf known to the American Pack. Elena struggles to balance her desire for a normal life with the challenges of being a werewolf. As she navigates complex relationships and faces dangerous threats, the plot unfolds with a mix of supernatural elements, romance, and action. The writing style is engaging, with strong character development and a focus on revealing the characters' histories and motivations gradually, creating a world that is both intriguing and grounded.
I stood at the door before ringing the bell. It was Mother’s Day and I was standing at a door holding a present, which would have been quite normal if it was a present for my mother. But my mother was... - #6
Save:'A Discovery of Witches' by Deborah Harkness follows the story of Diana Bishop, a witch who is hesitant to embrace her powers, and Matthew, an ancient vampire who falls in love with her. The book combines elements of romance, mystery, historical fiction, and paranormal themes. The plot delves into the complex relationships between witches, vampires, and daemons, while also exploring the history of these creatures. Harkness's writing style incorporates detailed descriptions of settings, academic research, and character interactions, creating a rich and immersive world for readers to explore.
The leather-bound volume was nothing remarkable. To an ordinary historian, it would have looked no different from hundreds of other manuscripts in Oxford’s Bodleian Library, ancient and worn. But I kn... - #7
Save:"Cry Wolf" in the series "Alpha & Omega" by Patricia Briggs follows the story of Anna, an Omega werewolf who was abused in her previous pack and Charles, an Alpha werewolf who rescues her. delves into their evolving relationship as they navigate the dynamics of the werewolf world. Set in the same universe as the Mercy Thompson series, the book explores themes of strength, vulnerability, and pack politics, providing a fresh perspective on werewolf lore. The writing style offers a mix of character development, intriguing plotlines, and a touch of romance, creating a captivating urban fantasy tale.
She hadn’t realized how much of her confidence had been tied to having Charles beside her. She’d only known him a day and a half, and he’d changed her world . . . at least while he was still next to h... - #8
Save:'Skinwalker' by Faith Hunter is an urban fantasy novel featuring Jane Yellowrock, a complex and kickass protagonist who is a skinwalker that hunts vampires in New Orleans. The story follows Jane as she navigates through a world filled with witches, vampires, and other supernatural creatures while trying to solve a mystery involving rogue vampires. The book is praised for its strong world-building, intriguing storyline, and the unique perspective provided by the shifting between Jane and Beast, offering readers a fresh take on the urban fantasy genre.
I’d need to put the vamp-hunting tools out of sight for my interview. My hostess might be offended. Not a good thing when said hostess held my next paycheck in her hands and possessed a set of fangs o... - #9
Save:In "Some Girls Bite" by Chloe Neill, the story follows Merit, a doctoral student attacked by a vampire and turned into one herself by Ethan, the Lord of Cadogan House in Chicago. As Merit navigates her new life as a vampire, she becomes embroiled in a murder mystery, political intrigue among vampire houses, and a budding war between vampires and humans. The book introduces a world filled with vampires, shifters, sorcerers, and other supernatural beings, all tied to complex internal and external politics.
I recalled very little of the next three days, of the genetic restructuring that transformed me into a vampire. Even now, I only carry a handful of memories. Deep-seated, dull pain—shocks of it that b... - #10
Save:In Discount Armageddon, the story follows Verity Price, a cryptozoologist and ballroom dancer, who is tasked with protecting the cryptids residing in New York City. The book introduces a mix of humor, action, and romance as Verity navigates her dual life, uncovering mysteries surrounding the disappearances of sentient cryptids. The writing style is described as fun, light-hearted, and fast-paced, with a focus on quirky characters, cryptid biology, and witty dialogue.
Verity's adventures involve teaming up with Dominic, a member of an organization that opposes her family, to investigate the threats to the city posed by the cryptids' disappearances. McGuire's unique approach to urban fantasy, blending elements of science fiction with fantasy, creates a rich and engaging world filled with colorful characters, cryptid creatures, and themes of acceptance and adaptation in a world where humans and cryptids coexist.
MUSIC PUMPED THROUGH THE CLUB’S SPEAKERS, distorted until it was barely more than a pounding bass line with a sprinkling of grace notes. It was perfect dance music, the kind that makes feet tap and th...
