Books Like...
'Unshapely Things' in the 'Connor Grey' series by Mark Del Franco follows the story of Connor Grey, a former hero druid who has lost his powers and now lives in a world where the modern collides with fairies and elves. The plot centers around Grey being asked to help investigate a series of murders involving fairy prostitutes in his neighborhood. is described as a mix of urban fantasy and police procedural, with a detailed world-building that intertwines magic, fey lore, and human society. The writing style is noted for its detailed exposition in the beginning, leading to a slow start but eventually picking up with unexpected twists and engaging plot development.
If you liked Unshapely Things, here are the top 9 books to read next:
- #1Outside the window of his one-bedroom apartment, another overcast morning grudgingly announced the start of yet another overcast week. Wil closed his eyes and considered going back to sleep. He briefl...
Will Morgan is a creature of habit-a low-budget insurance detective who walks to and from work with the flow of one-way traffic, and for whom imagination is a thing of the distant past. When a job opportunity enters the frame in the form of the myste
... - #2
'The Case of the Toxic Spell Dump' by Harry Turtledove is a fantasy novel set in an alternate Earth where magic takes the place of technology. The story follows David Fisher, an investigator for the Environmental Perfection Agency, as he delves into a mystery involving leaks from a toxic spell dump, birth defects in children, and a potential plot to bring about the Third Sorcerous War. The book is filled with puns, wordplay, and complex analogies with our world, creating a humorous and intriguing narrative that explores a world where magic is the norm.
The writing style of 'The Case of the Toxic Spell Dump' by Harry Turtledove is described as clever and humorous, with intricate puns and wordplay that add depth to the story. The author masterfully creates a magical version of Southern California, complete with flying carpets, aerospace companies working on magical projects, and a blend of various religions and languages. The plot, while competently done, serves as a backdrop for Turtledove's central conceit and complex puns, offering a unique and entertaining reading experience for fans of urban fantasy.
For one thing, they have a habit of waking you up at the most inconvenient times. It was still dark outside when the one on my nightstand went off like a bomb. I groaned and tried to turn off the alar... - #3
In an alternate history of Cairo, set in the early 1920s, magical creatures like djinn coexist with humans. The story follows Senior Agent Hamed Nasr and his partner, Agent Onsi Youssef, as they investigate a haunted tram car, navigating through a world filled with supernatural entities and political intrigue. The novella combines elements of steampunk, mystery, and fantasy, creating a vivid and immersive world where the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments, and Supernatural Entities handles cases involving the supernatural.
The writing style of the book is described as charming and engaging, with a mix of humor, suspense, and intricate world-building. The author, P. Djeli Clark, skillfully blends historical details with fantastical elements, creating a unique setting where magic and social issues intertwine seamlessly. The plot unfolds as a fast-paced detective story, offering a fresh take on the police procedural genre within a fantastical Cairo filled with diverse and intriguing characters.
The office of the Superintendent of Tram Safety & Maintenance at Ramses Station had all the decor befitting someone who had been elevated—or likely pushed along the lines of patronage—into such a vaul... - #4
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.
NORMALLY I WEAR A CZARIST ARMY GREATCOAT—the kind that sometimes gets called a paletot—with pockets sewn in for my tin whistle, my notebook, a dagger, and a chalice. Today I’d gone for a green tuxedo ... - #5
'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.
Personally, I don’t have anything against shroud eaters. They’re just another kind of addict in a city of addicts. Since most of them started out as civilians, the percentage of decent vampires to com... - #6
'Three Parts Dead' in the series 'Craft Sequence' by Max Gladstone is a unique blend of fantasy, mystery, and steampunk genres. The story follows Tara, an apprentice at a magical firm, as she investigates the mysterious death of a god. The world is intricately built with a magic system that resembles contract law, where gods are like commercial banks and power is traded like assets. The plot unfolds with elements of a murder mystery, courtroom drama, and exploration of morality and faith, all set in a modern and technology-focused polytheistic society.
By the grace of fortune (or something else), she landed three mere miles from what passed for an oasis in the Badlands, a stand of rough grass and brambles clustered around a brackish spring. She coul... - #7
"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.
There were only two customers in the shop. One was a student with scraggly hair and a nervous way of glancing over his shoulder. He was standing by the herb and powder rack and had decided what to buy... - #8
'Hounded' in 'The Iron Druid Chronicles' series by Kevin Hearne follows the story of Atticus, a 2100-year-old Druid living in Tempe, Arizona, who runs an occult bookstore and is being pursued by vengeful Irish gods. The plot involves a mix of mythology, folklore, and supernatural beings, with Atticus navigating through encounters with gods, werewolves, vampires, witches, and other unexpected characters. The writing style is described as fast-paced, full of snark, humor, and wit, with a focus on character development and interactions, particularly the unique relationship between Atticus and Oberon, his Irish Wolfhound who communicates with him through mind speak.
There are many perks to living for twenty-one centuries, and foremost among them is bearing witness to the rare birth of genius. It invariably goes like this: Someone shrugs off the weight of his cult... - #9
"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.
IT STARTED at one thirty on a cold Tuesday morning in January when Martin Turner, street performer and, in his own words, apprentice gigolo, tripped over a body in front of the West Portico of St. Pau...