Books Like...

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.

"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.

'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.

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.

'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.

'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.

"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.

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.

"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.

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.