Need new series after Sookie books -- Please Help

AmyB · Sep 27, 2009

Hello! I just finished the Sookie Stackhouse books and picked up a few new paranormal romance and urban fantasy books from my neighborhood used bookstore but after reading a few pages of three of them I just threw them to the ground.

My reason was the bitchy/angry un-compromising female leads. (Yep, one of the books I picked up was an Anita Blake so I expected that from that series) but I was surprised that the other books I picked up seemed to be following suit. I'm just not in the mood for a annoyingly bitchy lead and would rather read something more fun. (I've finished all the Jim Butcher books so can't switch to a sarcastic Harry Dresdin to pass the time

I'm not able to go browse the aisles being that the closest real bookstore is 35 minutes away and I will have my two young children in tow...so I want to go with an idea of what/who to be looking out for when I get there.

I would really appreciate any ideas for a good urban paranormal or paranormal romance with less bitch and more fun.

Thanks so much!
AmyB

ChaosTitan · Sep 27, 2009

Try Molly Harper's Jane Jameson books. They are very funny and quirky, with down-to-earth heroine who knows how to use her inner snark without coming across as a bitch. "Nice Girls Don't Have Fangs" is the first.

And if you haven't read the Mercy Thompson books by Patricia Briggs, those are excellent, too. A strong (without being bitchy) heroine, yummy male leads, and awesome world building.

Calla Lily · Sep 27, 2009

Gena Showalter's series (can't remember the overall name). Titled The Darkest Kiss, etc. Fun, light, yummy, and heroines who aren't bitchy.

Angelique · Sep 27, 2009

I'd suggest the Evernight series by Claudia Gray. It's not really humorous, but it's definitely worth a read, and the lead character Bianca is stubborn, but not to a fault. What I love best is that it has a twist that readers don't really see coming--two of them actually.

Another suggestion would be A Girl's Guide to Vampires by Katie MacAlister.

Romantic Heretic · Sep 27, 2009

I'd recommend The Dresden Files. They are an excellent urban fantasy series.

The main character is a wizard who's also a P.I. Among his opponents and allies (and sometimes both at the same time) are four different types of werewolves, the four different Courts of vampires (Red, White, Black and Jade), both the Summer and Winter Courts of the Sidhe plus assorted necromancers, ghosts, demons and other supernatural entities. There's a few mundane humans among then as well.

And The Archive. She's very unnerving.

The Denarians are the worst though. I will be so glad when they get wiped off the face of the earth.

There's a sweet but unrequited romance running through it as well.

Highly recommended.

Rowan · Sep 27, 2009

Try Susan Hubbard "The Society of S" and "The Year of Disappearances" (no bitchiness at all).

Another good series that isnt' really paranormal/urban fantasy is Ariana Franklin's "Mistress of the Art of Death", "The Serpent's Tale" and "Grave Goods". It's a historical CSI (best way I can think to describe it right now).

A friend of mine enjoyed "Spellbinder" by Melanie Rawn but it drove me insane.

Oh and of course "The Season of the Witch" by Natasha Mostert

On a side note: I loved Dresden too but found Anita Blake beyond annoying --- esp after Narcissus in Chains. The black nikes with a blue swoosh irritated me but her attitude pushed me over the edge!

icerose · Sep 27, 2009

I strongly suggest the Raine Benares series by Lisa Shearin. The main character is upbeat and funny, she's confident, capable, and has a wonderful voice that just makes it a whole lot of fun to follow.

Magic Lost, Trouble Found is the first. Armed and Magical is the second. The Trouble with Demons is the third.

I loved this series. http://www.amazon.com/dp/0441015050/?tag=absolutewritedm-20

Jess Haines · Sep 27, 2009

Kim Harrison's Hollows series. The first book is Dead Witch Walking.

Enjoy!

AmyB · Sep 29, 2009

Thanks so much for your suggestions. I can't wait to run to the bookstore today!

MsGneiss · Sep 29, 2009

I strongly suggest you try Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series. Supernatural and clever, and super fast reads.

ChrisKelly331 · Oct 6, 2009

I actually just started "Wicked Game" by Jeri Smith-Ready but it is AWESOME! I highly recommend it.

Need new series after Sookie books -- Please Help

AmyB

ChaosTitan

Around

Calla Lily

On hiatus

Angelique

A Walking Contradiction

Romantic Heretic

uncoerced

Rowan

icerose

Lost in School Work

Jess Haines

Boldly going nowhere in particular.

AmyB

MsGneiss

ChrisKelly331

Peter Steele <3