The Home of Urban Fantasy
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THE URBAN FANTASY WORKSHOP
BOOK REVIEWS
Right - below are a few of the latest books that I have read. I have only included the ones that I enjoyed. The reviews are short and to the point. I.E. I give you a brief idea of what to expect and then how much I enjoyed it. That's it, no reams of unnecessary musings. Simply - I liked it, I hope that you do ... or something similar.
WILLIAM MASSA
Night Slayer: Midnight War
I have read a lot of Bill's works and they are all darn good. On the whole he tends to live on the darker side of the Urban Fantasy spectrum.
In this new series, however, he has taken a slight turn away from his usual noir feeling. Not to say that this is a flippant happy go lucky story of snark and silliness ... it isn't. But there is more of the Marvel hero in this and less of the Neil Gaiman antihero that Bill usually has.
In his words - FROM COP TO DEMON HUNTER.
My Name is Jason Night. I’m a SWAT Team Commander and former Marine. I’ve experienced a lot of crazy shit in my life, and I don’t scare easily. At least not until today. After seeing my whole team get wiped out by a succubus and nearly dying myself, I’ve been recruited by a mysterious sorceress to become a soldier in a new war.
It was an easy read that left me waiting eagerly for the next n the series. The next is now out so ... happy days. Hope that you enjoy it.
Hit the button below to buy.
ORLANDO A. SANCHEZ
Tombyards & Butterflies: A Montague and Strong Detective Novel (Montague & Strong Case Files Book 1)
What can I say in praise of Sanchez that hasn't already been said? Not much.
This is the first in his wildly popular Montague & Strong series. And let me say - this is what buddy, banter and snark should read like. What can you expect? Well ...
Meet Simon Strong, an immortal, who is also the best private detective in New York City. Together with his surly partner-Tristan Montague, a mage of indeterminate age, they must find the Ferryman and get him back to work before another Supernatural War ravages the earth, destroys humanity, and Simon’s local coffee shop.
Time is running out. His landlord wants the rent and Karma with a capital K is paying him a visit, and she can be a real…
Join the Montague & Strong Detective Agency and help them locate Charon, so he can restore balance to the universe, put the dead sorcerers to rest, and maybe solve the age old conundrum-coffee or tea?
Read this. Then read the rest. Great stuff indeed.
SHAYNE SILVERS
Obsidian Son: A Nate Temple Supernatural Thriller Book 1 (The Temple Chronicles)
I believe that Shayne has sold over a MILLION copies of this series. That alone tells you that it must be worth a read.
Some say that Nate, the main protagonist of the books, is a bit of a jerk and that puts them off. Not true. He's what I would call an abrasive, snarky character but he grows on you. These books are full of wit and humor and I find them a fast and pleasant read. Go for it.
A city that doesn’t believe in magic. Bloodthirsty weredragons. Good thing this reckless playboy has superpowers.
It’s been said that monsters cry when a good man goes to war. But they should run screaming like little school girls when that man is secretly a wizard, and maybe not necessarily good…
Get the picture? Great...
M.D. MASSEY
Junkyard Druid: A New Adult Urban Fantasy Novel (The Colin McCool Paranormal Suspense Series Book 1)
McCool by name...Cool by nature. This one hits all the tropes and keeps running with them.
A young adult, cursed, works in a junkyard, last of the druids, fights bad, heart of gold etc etc. Look, I'm making it sound like its a collection of cliches - and it's not. It has bits of all of my favorites but remains original.
Name's Colin McCool. Folks call me the Junkyard Druid. I hate that name.
Despite my last name, I'm not "cool" like the other hunters in town. I don't run an occult bookstore, I've never owned a Harley, and I didn't inherit a family fortune passed down through generations of hunters before me.
And I kind of have this curse on me that's messed up my life.
So, things have gone to hell since I was cursed. I live in a junkyard, my mentor Finn is a heroin addict, I've got the Cold Iron Circle breathing down my neck, and the local Fae Queen Maeve is blackmailing me into doing her dirty work.
Now I'm in way over my head trying to retrieve Maeve's stolen magic rock, all while helping my friend Belladonna solve a series of murders that may or may not involve the local werewolves.
And did I mention that my girlfriend is a ghost?
If I can just get the Faery Queen's tathlum back, and help Belladonna solve the murders...
Then I just might live long enough to finish my first year of college.
So - you get it? Nice stuff and well worth a gander.
JOHN P. LOGSDON
The Merging: An Ian Dex Supernatural Thriller Book 1 (Las Vegas Paranormal Police Department)
John has written a shed load of books that all center around the Paranormal Police Department and allied sections. And I reckon that this is the best one to start with.
Heads up ... they are all very good. Snappy, full of snark and action and fast moving. All have a bit of adult content but it is more tongue in cheek (hur hur) than seriously graphic. Apart from that, werewolves, mages, vamps and all the supernaturals that you need to make for good Urban Fantasy.
Oh, those naughty supernaturals...
Ian Dex fights fiendish ubernaturals, battles smoking hot mages, and can seduce a succubus in an instant. He's also the chief of the Las Vegas Paranormal Police Department (PPD)...where it's always crazy, completely unpredictable, and loaded with snark.
Be sure to give these a go ... lots to read and all good.
BRAD MAGNARELLA
Blue Curse (Blue Wolf Book 1)
Brad is probably most well known for his Prof Croft novels. And rightly so - they are great fun.
However, here he has taken a break from Croft (although he does play a small cameo role) and he has gone all military on us. And it works!
A nice twist on the standard werewolf story.
ELITE SOLDIER TURNED WEREWOLF
Cursed by a blind witch in Waristan, Special Ops soldier Jason Wolfe finds himself transforming into a creature of local legend, a lupine referred to in fearful whispers as Blue Wolf.
Faster, stronger, and more lethal, he’s the perfect weapon — but not for the U.S. military. To break the curse, Jason must join a war between ancient tribal foes: blue werewolves and the formidable White Dragon.
In a battle spanning from the peaks of Central Asia to the valleys of Manhattan, and with the help of a bookish wizard named Prof Croft, Jason will test the limits of his newfound powers. Because with the curse now spreading to his mind, he’s running out of time — and the stakes couldn’t be more personal.
Win and he returns home to his fiancée and a future.
Lose and he dies a bloodthirsty beast…
Nicely paced and full of action...
FEARED BY HELL: AN URBAN FANTASY ACTION ADVENTURE (THE UNBELIEVABLE MR. BROWNSTONE BOOK 1)
MICHAEL ANDERLE
Michael is the godfather of Urban Fantasy. Everything he writes is golden.
I have chosen this particular series because its easy to read, chock full of action and the main protagonist really appeals. His philosophy is engagingly simple. "Don't get in my way or I will kick your butt".
You never mess with a young girl around James Brownstone.
It doesn't matter what crime syndicate you belong to, that just doesn't sit well with him.
** AMAZON Top 100 Best Selling Author **
The world has changed since the news of Oriceran came out twenty years before. Now, countries all over the world have agreed to using a bounty system for dangerous criminals using advanced magic or advanced technology.
People too powerful for the cops to deal with.
Magical criminals, thugs and bounty hunters, in the future we revert to what worked in the past.
if you find out you are hunted by Brownstone, we suggest you turn yourself in.
It will save you a monumental ass-kicking.
Brownstone likes his life simple, but Life is about to throw him a wicked curveball.
ONSET: TO SERVE AND PROTECT
GLYNN STEWART
This is proper full on action stuff. Small town cop gets thrust into the world fo the paranormal and discovers that he can kick some serious butt!
A small town cop with an unexpected gift
A shadowy government agency on the side of justice
A call no good man could turn away
When vampires attack David White’s small town, only luck, firepower, and the intervention of an elite government task force save his life. The aftermath of the attack leaves him in the middle of the world’s biggest secret: the existence of government agencies that regulate the supernatural.
They insist that David’s “luck” is actually a supernatural gift, and he’s immediately recruited into ONSET, the most shadowy part of America’s thin blue line of police protectors.
Questioning both his gifts and the agency he now serves, David is drawn into an escalating battle that threatens all of humanity. If he isn’t what ONSET thinks he is, the entire world may pay the price.
Like all of Gynn's work this is tight and well written. Give it a go and then try his Starship's Mage as well...
WRONG SIDE OF HELL (THE DEATHSPEAKER CODEX BOOK 1)
SONYA BATEMAN
At first glance this looks a little dark. And it sort of is. But not too much so.
It has all the necessary tropes - fairies, vampires, and ...err...dead dudes aplenty. All in all a really good read that delves deep into the main protagonists psyche. Nice stuff.
Life was a whole lot easier when the dead stayed dead.
I thought I was human. Apparently, I was wrong.
I didn't even know there were non-humans.Others, they're called. Fairies, vampires, even the bogeyman -- they're allreal. At least, that's what the werewolf told me when I saved her from thecops.
Did I mention that I saved a werewolf? And those weren'tjust cops trying to kill her -- they're a deadly cult with the sole purpose ofcapturing and exterminating Others. Especially me.
My name is Gideon Black, and I'm not human. I am theDeathSpeaker.
And I am so screwed.
Hit the button and give it a go...
ALONE (THE GIRL IN THE BOX BOOK 1)
ROBERT J. CRANE
I think that I can say that this dude got me into the whole Urban Fantasy thing. This series is EPIC. Also - one of the best female heroes around.
Sienna Nealon was a 17 year-old girl who had been held prisoner in her own house by her mother for twelve years. Then one day her mother vanished, and Sienna woke up to find two strange men in her home. On the run, unsure of who to turn to and discovering she possesses mysterious powers, Sienna finds herself pursued by a shadowy agency known as the Directorate and hunted by a vicious, bloodthirsty psychopath named Wolfe, each of which is determined to capture her for their own purposes...
Do yourself a massive favor and download this one ASAP. Trust me...I'm a reader!
AL. K. LINE
Brilliant Creations
The opening line in this book says it all...
"When I was killed for the fifth time, and before breakfast, I knew for sure I'd made a terrible mistake."
Arthur is not quite a hero, but then he isn't an antihero either. And the great thing about him is - he is pretty much as bad ass as he thinks that he is.
Meet Arthur "The Hat" Salzman. Gangster. Wizard. Screwed.
When I was killed for the fifth time, and before breakfast, I knew for sure I'd made a terrible mistake.
It was meant to be a simple job. Steal item, deliver said item to my posh broker, get paid. Easy peasy wizard squeezy.
Blame it on the insomnia, my own greed, or maybe just stupidity, but I swear on my wand I didn't know what was in the bag. If I had, I'd never have got involved.
Soon, every gangster, spook, and magic abuser in the city wanted what I had. But they went too far, broke the Code. Backed up by my faery godmother, and a Stepford mom who's main goal in life was to be my sidekick, the body count escalated as the truth was revealed. And they all forgot one important thing.
The Hat's a goddamn Wildcat Wizard!
Give the hat a go - he grows in stature as the series progresses. Another nice read...
RICK GUALTIERI
Bill the Vampire
Right - this one is an unashamed comedy. Bill is your classic geek that gets turned into one of the children of the night and lo...somehow he still remains a geek.
Laugh out loud funny with loads of action and all of the usual Urban Fantasy trimmings.
There are reasons we fear the night. He’s NOT one of them.
Bill Ryder was a dateless geek, but then he met a girl to die for. So he did. Sadly, that was just the beginning of his troubles. He awoke as a vampire but, fangs or not, he was still at the bottom of the food chain.
If you're looking for Urban Fantasy and a laugh - this one ticks both boxes.
JIM BUTCHER
Storm Front (The Dresden Files, Book 1)
I'd be a crazy person to write about Urban Fantasy and not mention the inimitable Harry Dresden. The creation of Jim Butcher - the ultimate in Urban Fantasy Noir detective work. Move over Sam Spade and Gandalf ... we got a new sheriff in town and his name is Harry.
As a professional wizard, Harry Dresden knows firsthand that the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most of them don’t play well with humans. And those that do enjoy playing with humans far too much. He also knows he’s the best at what he does. Technically, he’s the only at what he does. But even though Harry is the only game in town, business—to put it mildly—stinks.
So when the Chicago P.D. bring him in to consult on a double homicide committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name...
So - if you like reading ... well ... pretty much anything at all, you will like Dresden. Yes - it's that good...
CRAIG ZERF AUTHOR
Where URBAN FANTASY comes alive...
Craig Zerf is a full-time writer who has been awarded the Golganooza Gold medal for Fantasy as well as being voted 'Best Read' by radio BBC United Kingdom.
His novels have been translated into French, Portuguese, Italian, Spanish and German. Craig has lived in America, Africa and Europe and now resides in England with his wife and two imaginary cats.
His books have reached the number one Best Seller spot in both the United Kingdom and Germany.
He also writes thrillers under the name C. Marten-Zerf.
SCROLL DOWN TO CHECK OUT MY BOOKS ...
HEX - a 4 book series
BIG CITY MAGIC - A group of badass dark Mages are looking to muscle in on New York…Hex disagrees.
And the last thing you wanna do is upset a warrior mage in his home town. Especially one that totes a gun, specializes in destructive magic & wields snark like a weapon.
ILLEGAL MAGIC - Someone is calling up a demon army and Father Cooney has enlisted Hex to stop them. Unfortunately, the demons aren’t the only thing that Hex has to worry about, he’s pissed off a billionaire who has hired a private army to take him out with extreme prejudice.
But what they all didn’t realize is … you push Hex and he pushes back. Real hard.
DARK MAGIC - Someone is selling illegal magic on the streets so the Dark Brethren have called in Hex to put a stop to it. But this time they may be asking too much. Werebears, fae princes and the Russian mafia are all determined to take Hex down.
But they didn’t figure on the fact that Hex don’t lay down for anyone. And now they’re all wishing that instead of taking on New York’s finest warrior mage, they had just stayed at home with a mug of cocoa and a good book.
Because Hex is on the warpath … and this time he’s real pissed.
VALIANT MAGIC - The four horsemen of the Apocalypse have decided to ride. But Hex has decided otherwise. And Hex don’t take kindly to the end of the world. Not on his watch.
But maybe, just maybe, even he can’t win this one.
Sholto ‘Hex’ Gunn – Warrior mage for hire.
If you like Jim Butcher, Kevin Hearne, Steve McHugh, Michael Anderle, Ilona Andrews, Patricia Briggs, Shannon Mayer, or K.F. Breene, you will LOVE Hex.
Readers Reviews …
(Fred) “More fun than a barrel of Demonic Monkeys!!”
(Myssi) “Once I started this book I couldn't put it down till I finished it and now I'm about to download the next one on the series. Three was so much action and so many twists that you just have to keep reading to find out what's going to happen next. This book takes you through many emotions; you laugh, you cry, you get angry, but you stay interested. Love it!”
(Frostryder) “Fantastic characters, great pacing, awesome story. You will not regret getting this book! Craig Zerf is another shoe on my 'read everything this author writes' list!”
(Christie) “I can’t get enough of this series. I have literally laughed out loud while reading it! Try this, you won’t be disappointed.”
The Forever Man - 6 book series
Will you survive?
A series of solar flares smash the world back into the Dark Ages. Chaos follows. Millions die in the post-apocalyptic aftermath.
One man is changed by the radiation. Marine Sergeant Hogan. Turning him into a superhuman being. Faster, stronger and able to create magic.
He has become - The Forever Man. Oorah!
But even he is not ready for what happens next.
Through a rip in time and space, they came. The Orcs, goblins and trolls. Set on our extinction.
Can Hogan save humanity, or is it all over?
Award winning author...Chosen by London Radio BBC 4 as a "BEST READ"
Translated into Spanish, German, French and Portuguese.
Winner of the Golganooza Gold Medal for Fantasy.
Praise for Craig Zerf …
“What a ride! Best series I've read in years.”
“This is a finely tuned action fantasy that will be appreciated by all lovers of the genre. Exciting, thought provoking and darn good fun. Recommended most highly.”
“Absolutely one of the most engrossing stories I have ever read. Started out just like every dystopian TEOTWAWKI story but then it takes a sharp left turn into fantasy and it just keeps getting better. I purchased ALL of the series before I started and I'm glad I did because I had to start the next one as soon as I finished one. Wonderful cast of characters. I can't recommend this series enough.”
“Highly recommended. I've read the entire series and loved them all. Loved them so much that I've started over and I'm reading the entire series again from the beginning.”
“This is a fabulous find! An excellent rendering of dystopian and myth woven together into a grand sweeping story. A Marine stranded in England, who is honorable, fair and humane. Read it, tis grand.”
“Craig Zerf has written an engrossing story that will keep you reading as fast as you can.”
Project Bloodborn - a 4 book series
Brenner is not a werewolf…
He is the result of a secret US Army experiment. The creation of a government controlled Super Soldier.
And no one asked if he wanted to take part.
So, he escaped. And for the last fifty years has been living in the backroads and the small unknown towns of America. Never aging. Searching for a cure. At the same time avoiding the dark ops experts who are looking for him.
But just because he can become a seven foot, four hundred pound killing machine, it doesn’t mean that Brenner is bad. In fact, he sticks to a strict code.
And like the High Plains drifters of old, anyone who crosses the Wolfman’s code is sure to suffer.
They took his humanity … and now it’s time for payback.
Author’s note …
“I was looking to create a character that brought to mind the high plains drifters of old. A western hero that rode into town on a dark horse, delivered justice and retribution in equal measure and then rode off into the sunset. A modern-day gunslinger with a dark secret. I hope that I did the premise justice.”
Praise for Craig Zerf …
“This is an exciting story written by a master...can't wait to read more by this author! What if this story really happened! Wow.”
“This book is sheer Perfection! It has everything. Brenner's story makes you sad then happy, scared and anxious then shouting and cheering. One moment you are crying and the next you can't stop laughing. Craig Zerf is definitely now on my list of favorite authors. Do yourself a favor and buy this book!”
“Violent and exciting. The characters make no excuses, they are monsters and violence is their trade. Despite this the main character is likeable and interesting. This book is a fast, fun read, and I am looking forward to more from the author.”
“Mr. Zerf, I must compliment you on each and every one of the stories in this series! Words like exceptional, outstanding, gripping, unrelenting, engaging and yes enthralling simply are NOT enough to do these stories justice.”
Emily Shadowhunter - a 4 book series
Will she be willing to sacrifice her own soul for our sakes?
Emily used to think Buffy was fiction. Then, plucked from Alaska on her eighteenth birthday and taken to London, England, she found herself surrounded by vampires, werewolves and magicians.
And to think, all she’d wanted for her birthday was an iPhone and a pair of designer shoes.
Instead she got super powers and a mission to save the world.
Together with her team of Shadowhunters, she is tasked with defeating the Nosferatu Family. The last of the original Vampires.
Trouble is, her new set of powers come with a dark side. Because sometimes you can only fight fire with fire.
Will she be willing to sacrifice her own soul for our sakes? Or is humanity going to be doomed to lives of eternal servitude and horror?
Emily Hawk is – the last Shadowhunter.
Vampires, shifters, werewolves and the sexiest Frenchman in the world!
Praise for Craig Zerf -
“Great reading kept me hanging on every word page after page. The author is a superb writer with vivid imagination can't wait to read next book.”
“I wholeheartedly recommend this entire series to anyone who reads this genre. I thoroughly enjoyed this series to the point of not being able to put it den even when I knew I had to get up early the next day.”
“Wow… just finished book one, Vampire Killer. I could not put it down. This book had everything that I love. Supernatural, enhanced humans, Vampires, Shapeshifter, and even God's. The story moved at a fantastic pace. The lead character was fabulous. Highly recommend.”
“I wish that this had been the first Slayer that Hollywood had used. Don't get me wrong, I love Buffy and crew, series more than movie, yet this series gives a lot more credence to the slayer history and there are more slayers in the world. Makes sense when you look at the Watcher's Council. Emily and Bastian along with their cohorts look to take on the Nosferatu and keeping the head vampire from becoming a day walker. The lore this series is based on opens so many doors of thought and consideration you will devour these novels.”
Garrett Storm thrillers - a 4 book series
CHOICE OF WEAPON
At what stage does retribution become murder?
An old friend is desperate for Garrett’s help. She needs him to stop the dark and savage empire of criminals that are threatening both her life and the lives of those around her.
The ex-soldier answers her call, plunging everyone’s lives into an unimaginable maelstrom of incredible violence and brutality as he responds in the only way that he knows how.
In this explosive first installment of the Garrett Storm thrillers he goes head to head with organized crime, sowing a path of destruction and mayhem as he delivers his particular form of justice.
They have no knowledge of the violent past they are about to expose.
This time he may have gone too far…
“A gritty high octane series that asks the question – how far would you go to protect the innocent? This novel is a breathless rollercoaster against time that ultimately leaves you cheering for the good guys and booing the bad ones. A taut, savage and uplifting action packed thriller for fans of Lee Child, David Baldacci and Matt Rogers. I highly recommend it.’
ANOTHER WAY HOME
Someone has kidnapped Petrus’ nephew, Freedom Mabena. Petrus calls on his friend Garrett to return to Africa to do what he does best. Together, the two friends set out to rescue Freedom and to exact retribution on all involved.
But the depth of deceit, betrayal and corruption go deeper than they had ever expected.
Once again they are pitted against overwhelming odds - but they won’t stop. Because this time, they are fighting for Freedom.
BLOOD OF LIONS
A syndicate of Rhino poachers have brought harm to one of Petrus' family. Now they will pay the price. He calls on Garrett, and together they embark on a mission of revenge. But this time they may have gone a step too far.
In a story that spans the continents from Africa to Asia the two friends take on the Russian mafia, the Chinese Triads, the Zimbabwean police and the Chinese People’s Army.
Because somebody has to make a stand.
SAVAGE OUTCOME
Petrus has travelled from Africa to Scotland to holiday with Garrett. Together, they stumble across a plot that could threaten the lives of hundreds of thousands of innocent people. This time the two friends may be out of their depth as they come up against an enemy that is far more sophisticated than any they have fought before. Can Garrett and Petrus take on the might of the British establishment and win?
In a conflict that moves from the savageness of the Scottish Highlands to the claustrophobic streets of inner city London, Garrett and Petrus do battle with rogue elements of the SAS, The London Police, international assassins and the megalomaniacal politician in charge.
This time they are fighting for their lives.
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