Books Like...

Unbound is an anthology featuring five stories from popular paranormal authors, each set in their own unique worlds but interconnected through themes of the supernatural and urban fantasy. The stories provide readers with a glimpse into familiar characters or settings from the authors' series, offering a mix of diverse perspectives and entertaining plots. From Kim Harrison's tale of Jenks investigating a mysterious case to Jeaniene Frost's creepy New Orleans story featuring historical vampire characters, the book presents a collection of short stories that range from intriguing to compelling, with elements of mystery, fantasy, and supernatural themes woven throughout.

'Born in Fire' by K.F. Breene is an urban fantasy story featuring a kickass female protagonist named Reagan. Reagan is a bounty hunter who is efficient with weapons and full of sass, making her a captivating character. The story revolves around Reagan's adventures as she works with a powerful and handsome vampire named Darius to hunt down strange magics. The plot is filled with humor, sarcasm, and action-packed fight scenes, with a hint of flirtation between Reagan and Darius adding an intriguing dynamic. The writing style is engaging, with well-developed characters and a unique magic system that keeps the reader guessing.

Grave Witch follows the story of Alex Craft, a grave witch with necromancy abilities, who gets entangled in a complex web of paranormal and normal politics as she navigates through mysteries and dangerous situations. The book introduces a unique world where magic, fae, shades, ghosts, and intricate characters like Death and Detective Falin Andrews play crucial roles in Alex's investigations and personal life. The plot is fast-paced, filled with suspenseful moments, unexpected twists, and well-developed mythology, making it an engaging and thrilling read for fans of urban fantasy.

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.

'Halfway to the Grave' by Jeaniene Frost follows the story of Cat, a half-vampire vampire hunter who forms an alliance with Bones, a full-blood vampire bounty hunter. Together, they hunt down a group of vampires who are involved in human trafficking for blood. The story is filled with action, humor, and a developing romance between the main characters. Cat's unique background and vulnerabilities blend well with Bones' centuries-old wisdom, breaking down her prejudices and leading to a deep connection between them. The plot is solid with well-paced action, witty dialogue, and a mix of violence and romance that keeps the readers engaged.

Sinister Magic is an urban fantasy novel that follows Val, a half-elf government bounty hunter assassin tasked with eliminating magical creatures that pose a threat to humanity. The book introduces a world filled with modern-day elements intertwined with magical creatures like dragons, wyverns, and elves. Val's character is portrayed as snarky, entertaining, and dangerous, with a backstory that adds depth to her experiences and motivations. As the story unfolds, readers are taken on a fast-paced journey filled with action, intrigue, and strong character dynamics, particularly between Val and the dragon shifter Zavyrd.

The plot of Sinister Magic is described as rich in details, with a smartly moving storyline that keeps readers engaged. The book is praised for its well-written narrative, interesting plot, and witty dialogue. Lindsay Buroker's writing style is noted for its ability to blend elements of fantasy with a modern setting, creating a unique urban fantasy world that captures the readers' attention. The book is commended for its character development, particularly Val's portrayal as a seasoned bounty hunter facing challenges both in her personal life and in her dangerous profession.

'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.

Angels' Blood by Nalini Singh is the first novel in the Guild Hunter Series, a paranormal romance that introduces readers to a world where Archangels rule over humans, vampires, and angels. The story follows Elena Deveraux, a skilled vampire hunter hired by the Archangel of New York, Raphael, for a dangerous mission. The plot revolves around a power struggle between Elena and Raphael as they navigate a world filled with angels, vampires, and deadly threats, blending romance, action, and suspense in a modern-day setting.

Written in Red by Anne Bishop follows the story of Meg, a blood prophet who escapes from captivity and finds refuge in the Courtyard, a sanctuary for the Others, shape shifters who are feared by humans. The book delves into Meg's integration into the terra indigene society, her interactions with the unique inhabitants of the Courtyard, and the dangers she faces as she tries to forge a new life for herself. The plot is focused on characterization, world-building, and setting the stage for the sequels, with a slow-moving narrative that eventually builds up to intense action and suspense.

The book explores themes of power dynamics between humans and the Others, the concept of humans as prey, and the development of relationships between the characters. It introduces readers to a world where supernatural creatures are in control, and humans are allowed to exist only because of their usefulness. Written in Red also touches on the character of Meg, a gentle yet determined protagonist who navigates a world she is unfamiliar with, showcasing her growth and resilience as she finds her place in a society vastly different from her own.

In "Darkfever" by Karen Marie Moning, readers are introduced to MacKayla Lane, a young woman seeking justice for her murdered sister in Dublin, Ireland. As Mac delves into the mystery surrounding her sister's death, she discovers a hidden world of faeries and supernatural beings, where she possesses unique abilities that make her a key player in a dangerous game of intrigue and deception. The book combines elements of urban fantasy, mystery, and paranormal romance, with a plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, culminating in a cliffhanger ending that leaves them eager for more. Moning's writing style weaves together dark themes with light moments, creating a compelling narrative that immerses readers in a world filled with monsters, secrets, and unexpected alliances.