So, I come to find myself in possession of a copy of Jim Butcher’s Turn Coat, the latest Dresden Files novel. Butcher is a big favorite of many Jaders, and while I do mean to try the series eventually, I don’t think the eleventh book is the best place to start. So instead: Giveaway!
All you have to do to be in the running is answer one measly question here: Much like the Invincible one we last year, the winner will be decided by the mystical power of the random number generator.
As for that question… Well, I’ve decided, in the interest of fairness, that I should probably try at least one of those wildly popular urban fantasy books that have been spreading through the genre like wildfire. The problem is that aside from Butcher and Laurel K. Hamilton (been there, done that, not impressed) I really don’t have a clue as to where to start. So… I’m asking you guys to rec me some. Who’s your favorite novel-bound demon-slayer/werewolf-hunter/vampire-screwer? I eagerly (gulp) await your input. Convince me!
Comments on this entry will close Monday, June 29th at midnight Eastern time.
Fine print: U.S./Canada only, please. Use a valid e-mail address and NO SPOILERS. Only one comment per person – and be aware that if you haven’t commented on ClubJade.net before, your entry will have to be approved before it appears. (We reserve the right to reject inappropriate comments.) All entries will be approved before random.org is consulted. The winner will be contacted on June 29th, and must reply before July 1st or another will be chosen. Direct questions to dunc@clubjade.net. If we get a lot of comments… I will read and review Twilight. Seriously.
What I have read and enjoyed: Dean’s Tam Lin, Bull’s War for the Oaks, and Windling’s The Wood Wife. I seem to be incapable of getting into de Lint. Not exactly the leather-butt ladies crowding today’s shelves, though I did make it through two of Lackey’s Tregarde books with a shrug.
ETA: If you haven’t read any other urban fantasy, then give me one reason to start reading the Dresden Files ASAP.
COMMENTS ARE CLOSED; THE WINNER HAS BEEN CONTACTED.
This is not in the area that you requested, but I have been turned on to Jennifer Fallon, right now.
Her Second Sons trilogy is a great read. It’s fantasy with a smidge of science and a great saga. Just the right tone for summer.
Now we just need people to reply about your question. :)
My favorite urban fantasy series (other than Jim Butcher’s) is Tanya Huff’s Blood Price (beginning with the book of the same name). If the whole private detective with a vampire friend who takes supernatural cases sounds similar to Lackey’s Tregarde series, don’t let it put you off. (After Lackey’s Joust series basically ripped off Jane Yolen’s Dragon’s Blood, my respect for her went way south.)
The Blood Price series is well worth reading.
I’m not much of an “urban fantasy” girl, at least not in the “leather pants and tramp stamps” sense it’s come to mean. But I’ve heard really good things about Tanya Huff’s Blood series.
I really like Patricia Briggs’ Mercedes Thompson books (the first one is MoonCalled) – lots of werewolves, and a protagonist I don’t want to slap.
Also, Tanya Huff’s Keeper Chronicles are hilarious.
Never been huge into urban fantasy, but I adore both “Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman and “Sunshine” by Robin McKinley.
Kat Richardson’s Greywalker series could possibly intrigue you. There are two of them, Greywalker and Poltergeist, along with a novella in the Mean Streets collection that Roc put out last year. I’ve read the first and the novella, with the novella being stronger on the grounds of not mucking about with the details of the magic.
They’re still fairly well written though, with a respectable female protagonist who manages to stay largely strong and focused, even in the face of all of the weird crap she’s subjected to. She also doesn’t try to snuggle up with everything that moves, which is a nice change in comparison to most of the female led urban fantasy that I’ve read through.
Decent supporting characters as well, and an interesting world that, like with The Dresden Files, isn’t all magic all the time. Might be worth checking out.
I’m not a regular commenter but can’t resist sharing two of my current addictions.
If it’s not the sex that turns you off Hamilton but the whining (or the remarkable lack of actual plot in many of LKH’s books), then try Keri Arthur’s Riley Jenson series.
Set in Australia, the Jenson series focuses on a young woman who is half werewolf/half vampire and all snark. Riley’s twin brother works as a Guardian, investigating non-human crimes. Riley has always resisted offers to become a Guardian because she considers them nothing more than hired killers, but when her brother goes missing she has no choice but to get involved in the investigation. Unlike most series, which tend to peter out, this one is getting better over time and still has actual plotlines and character development after seven books.
The Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs is also still improving four books in. As far as anyone knows, Mercy is the only living “skinwalker” — able to turn into a coyote at will. Her mother sent her to be fostered by a werewolf clan when she was young and now the grown-up Mercy has an alpha werewolf who wants to date her, a garage she bought from a gremlin, and a vampire whose car she needs to fix. She has no intentions of mixing it up with creatures who are bigger, stronger, and have more magical abilities than her but when a stray teenager walk into her garage looking for a job, Mercy ends up investigating what’s got the kid on the run. What I like best about the series is that, while Mercy has her kickass moments, she’s smart enough to know her limitations and ask for help when she needs it, unlike some urban fantasy heroines who conveniently develop new magical abilities just in time to defeat the Big Bad. (I’m looking at you, Anita Blake.) Also, in both the Arthur and Briggs series, actions have consequences. Neither author waves a magic wand to make it all better at the end of the story.
I’ve been reading lots of urban fantasy series lately, but those are two of the authors on my “need to get as soon as the books are out” list.
For non-Butcher urban fantasy that I really enjoy, I’ll have to recommend Ilona Andrews “Kate Daniels” books. They’re darkly humorous as well as fairly serious. (As serious as UF can be…) The female lead is flawed and not simpering, so I was intrigued at any rate. The other big draw is that it’s set in a decaying Atlanta, so for me, it was fun to have local landmarks appear in what I was reading.
I love love love Kim Harrison’s Rachael Morgan series. Set in Cincinnati in a world where genetically modified tomatoes killed many humans, thus revealing those who are “not so human”. Great books, I believe there are now 7 in that series.
I second the Merci Thompson books, very well written. Also the Tanya Huff Keeper series: the first features a snarky HELL in the basement. It’s made of awesome. :D
I can’t say much for other “urban fantasy” fiction, since they have not popped up on my reading list, but The Dresden Files is a blast and I squeal everytime I can dive into one again. *embarrassed at self-proclaimed squealing*
I actually was going through the drive-thru of the Burger King near my work on my lunch and the guy who was taking my money looked in my car and I had the 10th book (I think) right next to me and he had the 4th that he held up and showed me so we had a 1 minute conversation about it. True story.
Good reason to start reading Butcher? Well I enjoy re-reading the series again and again and I’m always suprised by either new details or important ones that just drive home why I love the books. There is such a depth of detail and…and…well, story to these books that I can’t help being suprised again and again. For example, Butcher made a very serious climactic showdown finish with a wonderfully funny and witty banter concerning a doughnut. The characters are well-developed, with more to be revealed, the suspense is killer, the detective-ness is gripping, and you can’t beat a setting like Chicago (he really does good research).
Great series. Dresden is wicked cool and wicked fun.
I’m not interested in the contest (because I haven’t read the first 10 books in the series), but here are a few I’ve enjoyed:
“Benighted” (aka “Bareback” in the UK — apparently the American publisher thought that was too naughty) by Kit Whitfield, a regular commenter at Slacktivist: In this dystopian urban fantasy, werewolves are the normal ones and ordinary humans (those born “bareback”) are social outcasts. The heroine works in law enforcement, keeping werewolves from attacking each other (or humans) on full moon nights. Gorgeously written, bleak and stirring.
The Demon’s Lexicon by Sarah Rees Brennan: Former HP fanfic writer makes good! This is a YA book and at times feels a bit too oversimplified, but the plot and characters are interesting. Two brothers and their insane magician mother are constantly on the run from an evil group of magicians who can command demons. It’s a really well-conceived world.
I’ll chime in another vote for the Mercy Thompson books by Patricia Briggs. I really enjoy Mercy’s voice, and the fact that there’s things she can handle and things she really can’t without help. Also, I enjoy a book in which the protagonist manages to acquire loyal allies, whether she was trying to or not, whether she wants them or not. Allies who form a sort of family unit the reader can visit book after book.
I’ve read the first three or four Dresden books and enjoyed them but only up to a point. I may revisit the series later, but for now you can keep my name out of running!
The best reasons to start reading the Dresden Files series? It is fun, dark, bloody and an all around great time! There is an overall arcing storyline that is prevelant in all the books, plus each book has it’s own kick ass storyline. The books build upon each other and get better with each new novel. Each novel is easy to read, has lots of action, with some romance, and includes monsters, magic and mayhem!
Plus Butcher is a writing madman. He has come out with a new Dresden novel each year, so there’s no long wait in between each release.
The best part about Dresden? Is that there is at least one Star Wars reference per book. The funny thing is that Dresden will crack his SW joke and the characters in the book usually don’t get it, but the astute SW fan reader does.
I would recommend Dresden x10 over the Twilight series. Twilight is akin to a High School romance, while Dresden is a College whirlwind of one night stands.
I’d much rather win the first 7 books on audio tape seeing as how I can’t seem to find them on Audible or Itunes *cries*
And as an avid knitter.. I just don’t read real books much anymore.
I’m just posting because I want you to read Twilight. Because somedays I’m the Jedi, and others I’m a darksider and today you pulled the DS card. Muhahaha!
Scary thing is that I’ve finished the Twilight series. I still have never finished reading D@rks@ber.
And the Dresden books are great- start reading already! I’m not up to book 11 but have enjoyed them greatly!
I have lots:
1) The Kitty the Werewolf series by Carrie Vaughn
2) Sign of the Zodiac series by Vicki Pettersson
3) Women of the Otherworld by Kelly Armstrong
4) Kim Harrison’s Witch Series
5) Simon Green’s Nightside is pretty wicked too.
Those are probably my favorites, the ones I will go and buy hardcovers for if needed. All have a little sex, but nothing like LKH’s porn. Carrie Vaughn belongs to the Rocky Mountain FanForce if that makes any difference as well.
Very cool. I have this series on my too be read list