Urban Fantasy Books

The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires

Author: Grady Hendrix

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Horror Thriller

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

I do not usually like horror but I love thrillers, book clubs, and vampires so I decided to read this urban fantasy book. I absolutely loved every minute- even when I was completely scared out of my wits. This vampire book will have you on your toes.

This book really is Steel Magnolias meets Dracula. Patricia is a housewife with two kids who don’t appreciate her and a husband who travels a lot. She spends a lot of her time caring for her senile mother-in-law who lives with them. When her elderly neighbor attacks her one night, James comes to the rescue. James seems well-read and well-traveled but Patricia is convinced he is a monster in disguise.

Patricia knows what she sees but nobody else agrees with her. The psychological warfare in this adult fantasy book is next-level creepy – it definitely earns its spot on our Best Books of 2020 list! Be warned that this book is scary and creepy but is one of the best books for fall!

Trigger Warnings

Rape, Gore, Blood

Why Jackie loves it

This book is one of the scariest books I have ever read and yet, I loved every second. This book will mess with everything you think is true. There is graphic violence which was actually less scary than the anticipation of a jump scare the entire time I was reading this book.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books/ Adult Fantasy Novels / Vampire Books / Best Books of 2020

Dead Until Dark

Author: Charlaine Harris

Year: 2008

Genre: Adult Fantasy

More info: Sookie Stackhouse 1 of 13

Spice Rating:💋💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

I watched this show before I knew that it was an adult fantasy book series and then I obviously had to read these vampire books as well. Sookie Stackhouse is a waitress at a bar in her small town in Louisiana. She is quiet and keeps to herself except for the fact that she can read people’s minds.

When Bill Compton comes into the bar one night, Sookie cannot hear anything he is thinking and she is quickly infatuated. The feeling is mutual. But when murders start taking place and the two suspects are Bill, and Sookie’s womanizing brother, Sookie starts to question her life choices. There is nothing PG about this steamy urban fantasy romance series.

Trigger Warnings

blood, violence

Why Jackie loves it

There is something very addicting about this vampire romance series. The books are dark and creepy full of unique and hilarious characters. I could not help but love.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like A Discovery of Witches / Vampire Books / Ultimate List of Adult Fantasy Books / Adult Fantasy Novels

Storm Front

Author: Jim Butcher

Year:2000

Genre: Mystery, Fantasy

More info: Book 1 in the 17 book series, The Dresden Files

Age Range:15+

Plot

Wizards, Vampires, and warlocks are all a part of this book in which Harry Dresden is consulting with the Chicago PD on a homicide committed with magic.

Trigger Warnings

Violence, Gore

Why Jackie loves it

A friend who is an avid fantasy reader recommended this book to me. I had never heard of this series before but, I really enjoyed it and I cannot wait to read the next one in the series.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasies / Vampire Books

Zodiac Academy: The Awakening

Author: Caroline Peckham and Susanne Valenti

Year: 2019

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Zodiac Academy Book 1 of 12

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Whew. I have found my newest adult fantasy romance series addiction. Orphan twins Tory and Darcy find out they are actually Fae after their 18th birthday. And not just any Fae, they are the heirs to the throne and they only need to graduate from Zodiac Academy to claim their throne.

The problem comes in the form of the four Heirs – The boys in each elemental order who have been raised to share the throne and rule Solaria together in the Twins’ absence.They aren’t planning to give up their claim anytime soon and they use their considerable magic in the air, fire, earth, and water elements to put these girls to the test.

This urban fantasy series is on fire hot, with lots of steam, bullying romance, and deadly situations. Even though this is one of a few great books set in high school, do NOT read this one if you are under 18.

Why Kirsten loves it

There is something about this series that is seriously addicting. There is romance, adventure, and some serious girl power in this series.

Why Jackie likes it

I liked this series but didn’t love it as much as Kirsten. The bullying felt too abusive to me and the pranks were a little too dangerous. And despite those reservations, I wanted to see Tory and Darcy kick some butts. As the series progresses and the sisters become more powerful, the story gets a lot more detailed.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Books Like ACOTAR / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Books Set in College / Adult Fantasy Novels / Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like A Court of Thorns and Roses / Dragon Books for Adults

Glimmerglass

Author: Jenna Black

Year: 2010

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: Book 1 of 3 of the Faeriewalker Series

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 12+

Plot

Dana Hathaway is a half-human, half-Faerie 16-year-old.  She leaves her alcoholic mother to go to Avalon and meet her father for the first time. 

Avalon is the gateway to the fairy realm and she will soon question who she should trust when she discovers she is a Faeriewalker, someone who can travel between the human and faerie world. Now, that she is caught between two worlds, she does not know who to trust and everyone seems to want something from her.

Trigger Warnings

Alcoholic mother

Why Jackie loves it

This was a fun quick YA read from our list of fae books. This YA fantasy book is perfect if you love urban fantasy books.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books/ Adult and YA Fae Books

Ninth House

Author: Leigh Bardugo

Year: 2019

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Alex Stern #1

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Alex Stearn is the sole survivor of a horrible homicide. While recovering in the hospital, she is offered a chance to attend Yale on a full scholarship. She finds the Secret Societies of Yale, each practicing a unique type of magic.

Trigger Warnings

Sexual Assault

Why Jackie loves it

There are so many things about this urban fantasy book that I love. It is filled with magic, unlike anything you have ever read before. It has fantasy, secret societies, magic, and mystery. I could not put it down.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy / Books Set in College / Books About Secret Society / Adult Books similar to Harry Potter / Best Books of 2019 / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Leigh Bardugo Books In Order / Dark Academia Books

The Magicians

Author: Lev Grossman

Year: 2009

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Magicians Book 1 of 3

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Quentin Coldwater is a high school student obsessed with the made-up world of Fillory.  He finds himself admitted to a magical college that is both secret and elite. This one has an almost cult-like following.

The best way I can describe this series is if Harry Potter was admitted to Hogwarts in College.  It has a different, darker feel but it is fun, imaginative, and entertaining. The magic in this school is a little bit dark. If you love urban fantasy books, you must read this series of books like Harry Potter. This is a witch book unlike any other.

Why Jackie loves it

This is dark and unique- unlike any book I have read before.

Find this book in: Books Set in College / Dark Academia Books / Best Witch Books / Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing / Books Like Ninth House

The Atlas Six

Author: Olivie Blake

Year: 2022

Genre: Fantasy

More info: (Atlas Series Book 1)
Instant New York Times Bestseller
A Vulture Best Fantasy Novel 2022

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

The Alexandrian Society members are the guardians of knowledge from the greatest civilizations that have ever existed. Six of the most brilliant magical academicians are chosen every decade to take their place in this secret society. Five will go on the secure a life filled with all the wealth and power they could dream of.

When the candidates of this decade are chosen, they each have powerful abilities that could lead to greatness or destruction. They find that The Society may not be everything it appears. This is book has an almost cult-like following and is an urban fantasy book you will not want to miss.

Why Jackie loves it

There are so many twists and turns to this fantasy dark academia novel, that I am not sure where to begin. I do know that I will be reading the next book! The plot is twisty and the characters are complex. This is a dark adult fantasy for those that like a lighter read.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Books About Secret Societies / The Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Books Like Ninth House / The Best Books Like Fourth Wing

House of Earth and Blood

Author: Sarah J. Maas

Year: 2020

Genre: Fantasy Romance

More info: Book #1 of the Crescent City Series

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

House of Earth and Blood is the first in a new series by Sarah J. Maas, of ACOTAR fame. It’s an urban fantasy – and tells the story of Bryce Quinlan and her bodyguard, Hunt Athalar. Strange things are happening in Lunathion and together, Bryce and Hunt are trying to uncover the source of murders happening around Crescent City. If only because then they will be permitted to get away from one another.

But Bryce’s hunt for answers is deeper, she knows that what’s going on now is connected to her best friend, Danika’s murder two years prior. This wild ride was filled with skyscrapers, cellphones, and video surveillance, but also fairies, werewolves, angels, demons, and witches with history and power.⁣

Why Kirsten loves it

My initial turn-off of too many names/places/tribes/species types was quickly overcome by the insane world-building and a story that kept me up until 3 a.m. I fell in love with Bryce and Hunt’s romance, the epic world of the Crescent City series, and the many breadcrumbs and clues SJM scattered throughout this story.

Why Jackie loves it

I loved this world-building fantasy. Unlike so many of the other EPIC series, this one is set in an urban setting which makes it unique to any other series I have read. The characters are fantastic in their imperfect, but relatable ways.

Find this book in: Guide to All of Sarah J. Maas’s Books / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like ACOTAR / Adult Fantasy Romance Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels

Storm and Fury

Author: Jennifer L. Armentrout

Year: 2019

Genre: YA Fantasy Romance

More info: Harbinger book 1 of 3

Spice Rating:💋💋

Age Range: 16+

Plot

It’s actually a spin-off of one of Armentrout’s other YA fantasy book series, which I didn’t know until after I read the story. I didn’t feel like I missed anything having read this first. Gargoyles are Wardens out to fight demons and protect humans, and one special human in particular. This urban fantasy is as much romance as fantasy.

Trinity can see and communicate with ghosts. This is the reason she has had to have protection from the wardens. Demons will want to absorb her powers! Trinity will have to learn to trust herself and Zayne who has a secret of his own

Why Kirsten loves it

I loved the Disney cartoon Gargoyles when I was a little girl, so when I saw a YA Fantasy book that is also a paranormal romance book, I knew I needed it. I read this to help ease me out of my House of Earth and Blood book hangover and it was a perfect read. 

Find this book in: Popular Fantasy Series / Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like Zodiac Academy / Ultimate List of YA Fantasy / Best YA Romance Books / Young Adult Fantasy Romance Books

The Ex Hex

Author: Erin Sterling

Year: 2021

Genre: Magical Realism/ Fantasy Romance

More info: New York Times Bestseller
The Graves Glen Series

Spice Rating:💋💋💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

This is the most charming Halloween romance book about witches EVER. I don’t think I’ve read anything quite like it, but it’s perfect for the spooky season and a perfect book for fall.

Nine years ago Rhys Penhallow broke Viviane Jones’ heart and so she cursed him. Now he’s back in the town his family founded to infuse magic back into the ley lines but everything goes wrong!

As his curse takes over the town, Rhys and Vivi have to work to end the curse and restore the right magic back to the town…if they can keep their rekindled romance at bay long enough!

Why Jackie loves it

There is so much to this fantasy romance book to love. The story is sweet, charming, and easy to read for a fun Halloween read.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Best Adult Fantasy Novels / Second Chance Romance Books / Cozy Fall Books

The Hazel Wood

Author: Melissa Albert

Year: YA Fantasy

Genre: Fantasy

More info: Hazel Wood #1

Age Range: 14+

Plot

This is such an original book that is a fairy tale (think original Grimm’s tales as opposed to Disney) that meets the modern day.  Alice is 17 when she learns about the existence of magic and that the bad luck that has been following her may not be luck at all.

Trigger Warnings

Violence, Suicide

Why Jackie loves it

I kept thinking about what would have happened to Harry Potter if he did not know about magic until he was 17. This YA fantasy book is so original and fun.

All of Us Villains

Author: Amanda Foody, Christine Lynn Herman

Year: 2021

Genre: YA Fantasy

More info: All of Us Villains #1

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Seven families compete every twenty years over control of high magick. When the Blood Moon rises, the blood veil falls and each family chooses one child to compete to the death. The stakes are high and the prize is epic.

Trigger Warnings

Murder, Child Abuse

Why Jackie likes it

I loved this urban fantasy book and it left me simultaneously freaked out and wanting more. The parents in this book are brutal and willing to sacrifice their children willingly.

Find this book in: Urban Fantasy Books / Books Like the Hunger Games

Neverwhere

Author: Neil Gaiman

Year: 1997

Genre: Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestseller

Age Range: 14+

Plot

Harry Potter fans need to read this dark fantasy book.  It’s almost like what would happen if Harry found himself in Nocturn Alley before he knew about magic. 

Richard Mayhew finds a woman bleeding on the street. When he helps her, he is introduced to the world of magic in London Below and is forced to give up his life in London Above. No one can see him or hear him. His life has been completely disrupted as he tries to get himself back to life as it was- even if he is not very happy.

Why Jackie loves it

I could not stop reading this book even if I found it to be very dark and creepy. It is like a strange dream that you hope you wake from sooner rather than later.

Find this book in: Adult Books Similar to Harry Potter / Urban Fantasy Books

Mortal Engines

Author: Philip Reeve

Year: 2001

Genre: YA Sci-fi

More info: Mortal Engines #1

Age Range: 12+

Plot

This book is part fantasy and part sci-fi in a world of predator cities. Giant cities chase small towns and devour them in an effort to survive. Of all the urban fantasy books, this one closely resembles sci-fi.

Why Jackie loves it

I had heard so much about this book and was excited to read it.  I have a hard time not comparing this young adult fantasy book to the Divergent Series and The Hunger Games which were both amazing. 

Find this book in: Books Like the Hunger Games / YA Dystopian Books / Urban Fantasy Books

The Book of Night

Author: Holly Black

Year: 2022

Genre: Fantasy

More info: New York Times Bestselling Author

Spice Rating:💋

Age Range: 18+

Plot

Black is able to make our world into something else and make it seem entirely plausible. In this world, shadows can be manipulated and changed into something else. They can be removed and controlled.

Charlie is a Con artist who finds herself pulled into something that is over her head. Desperate to save herself and her sister, Charlie will do almost anything. While nobody calls themselves witches in this book, the manipulation of matter is certainly witch-like. I would definitely consider this a witch book like no other.

Why Jackie loves it

I have read Holly Black for years and love her so I was so excited to read this adult fantasy. This fantasy is complex and dark which I should have guessed from the name. The idea of manipulating shadows is fascinating to me and unlike any other fantasy I have read.

Find this book in: The Best Witch Books / Urban Fantasy Books