Harry Dresden was my introduction to the urban fantasy genre, and his books are still my favorites. However, Jim Butcher is only one guy, and unfortunately, he can only write so fast. Last I checked, we are still waiting for a release date for the next book. So, if you are also a fan, you may sometimes go hunting for books like Jim Butcher’s Dresden Files. I’ve done that search, and here are my recommendations.

Although it’s more steampunk than urban fantasy, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Butcher’s new series, The Cinder Spires. The first book, [easyazon_link identifier=”0451466802″ locale=”US” tag=”warloc-20″]The Aeronaut’s Windlass[/easyazon_link] is available now, and I highly recommend it. I really hope someone picks it up for a movie.

The Iron Druid series (first book is [easyazon_link identifier=”0345522478″ locale=”US” tag=”warloc-20″]Hounded[/easyazon_link]) by Kevin Hearne is pretty darned close to the feel of the Dresden Files. Atticus is a sarcastic bastard, kind of like Harry, and the books have a similar feel. Hearne has a neat magic system that holds together well, and you’ll either love or hate Oberon the talking Wolfhound.

Next up has to be the Alex Verus series by Benedict Jacka. Verus is a diviner, and while Jacka does stretch my suspension of disbelief sometimes, the way he uses precognition is original and fantastic. Verus feels lots like Dresden without being an outright copycat. I picked up [easyazon_link identifier=”1937007294″ locale=”US” tag=”warloc-20″]Fated[/easyazon_link], the first book in the series because of the Jim Butcher blurb on the cover. I’m a couple of books behind in this series, but I’ll be catching up soon.

Lots of people add Simon Green’s Nightside series to the list. Although I liked the premise (P.I. investigating hidden supernatural world in London), I couldn’t warm up to Green’s writing. Doesn’t mean you won’t like it, though.

I new series I just discovered is The Grimnoir Chronicles. I listened to the audio version of the first book, [easyazon_link identifier=”1451638248″ locale=”US” tag=”warloc-20″]Hard Magic[/easyazon_link], and I’ll be reviewing it in the next few weeks. It’s urban fantasy set in the era of Prohibition, and I loved it. I highly recommend listening to it. Bronson Pinchot is so good as a narrator.

I’ll close with [easyazon_link identifier=”0765368544″ locale=”US” tag=”warloc-20″]Alloy of Law[/easyazon_link] by Brandon Sanderson and its two sequels, [easyazon_link identifier=”0765378558″ locale=”US” tag=”warloc-20″]Shadows of Self[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”0765378574″ locale=”US” tag=”warloc-20″]The Bands of Mourning[/easyazon_link]. It’s not modern-day urban fantasy, but it’s steampunk meets the Wild West meets fantasy magic, and it’s one of my favorite series ever. It has an urban fantasy feel to it, even though it’s not set in modern day Earth. I’m a bit behind and haven’t read the third book yet, but it’s on my to be read list.

Well, I said I’d close with Alloy of Law, but okay, not quite. Jim Butcher was an inspiration for my series, and I’d be completely remiss if I didn’t recommend my own stuff too.

What’s your favorite urban fantasy series? I’m always looking for new great books to read. Please leave some recommendations in the comments.