Urban fantasy is a fantasy genre that combines the realistic and the fantastic; providing it is set in a city, we have all the magic and myths and hidden lands of just about any other kind of fantasy, but it has set around the everyday going ons of a city slicker’s life. It is a wonderful mix of mystery, action, and supernatural. Also, it allows readers to escape into worlds outside our normal scope of reality. Books like these are an environment where the mundane and the fantastical intermingle, and what’s real is twisted with what’s not, often populated by hard-bitten anti-heroes, complex systems of magic, and action-packed plots.
Whether it is an unfamiliar interpretation of a familiar city or a new magical society lurking just beneath the surface, urban fantasy weaves a spell that’s hard to resist. So, without further ado, here’s a rundown of the top urban fantasy books you must read!
Best Urban Fantasy Books
These best urban fantasy books contain beautifully built worlds, multi-faceted (and wickedly hot) dudes, and mesmerizing stories that stand the test of time. They touch on power, identity, loyalty, and the conflict between light and darkness and frequently present the reader with flawed but sympathetic heroes engaged in unlikely quests. Whether you’re new to urban fantasy or a seasoned veteran, these books will sweep you away on an unforgettable trip through wondrous realities hidden in plain view and won’t let you out of their grip until the final page.
1. The Dresden Files
The series is about a wizard-for-hire in modern-day Chicago. He battles supernatural forces that regular law enforcement cannot handle. The books explore magic, dark forces, and the paranormal world. It combines detective noir with urban fantasy. Harry’s personality develops as the series progresses, and the world becomes more complicated. So it delves into greater themes of right and wrong, power and fate.” The Dresden Files has never-ending action, unforgettable characters, and fantastic world-building.
Certain gods, vampires, werewolves, and whatnot are always just a step away from ruining Harry Dresden’s day. The mix of laughs, black moments, and cue-the-cueball-magical snooker makes the series special in the urban fantasy genre. The initial novel was published on April 1, 2000, and the series is still ongoing with new releases.
Jim Butcher is the author of the bestselling The Dresden Files series. Now, he is one of the biggest dogs in urban fantasy, with a blend of noir detective fiction, fantasy, and supernatural horror. His work has been described as known for its “vivid characters, gleeful wit [and] deep insight into the history and heart of magic.” In addition to the Dresden Files, Butcher works on several other books in his new steampunk series, Cinder Spires. Butcher’s books have been translated into dozens of languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Length: 5,000 pages, 17 books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: Battle Ground (Book 17)
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars
2. American Gods
American Gods tells the story of Shadow Moon, a former convict embroiled in a war between the ancient gods of mythology and the new gods of today’s America. The book delves into faith, the struggle for relevance, and how power looks in the age of the digital world. Gaiman fuses history with fiction, weaving a swashbuckling adventure through the American landscape of myth of the New World, a vision of the American dream gone bizarre. Gaiman’s tale is an astonishing work of imagination and the stuff of the very finest folklore.
The book delves into death, rebirth, and what happens when the things you believe in stop working. The richness of its world has been praised, along with its powerful characters and focus on philosophical elements, leading it to be considered an established classic of urban fantasy. American Gods was published on June 19, 2001, and became a television series.
Bestselling British writer Neil Gaiman has long been one of the top creators of modern comics and writing books for readers of all ages. Neverwhere, Good Omens (with Terry Pratchett) and The Sandman graphic novel series have established him as one of the most influential figures in contemporary speculative fiction. Gaiman’s work is characterized by his wit, fun language, and tendency to be darker and delve into myth and folklore. His work has won multiple Hugo, Nebula, and Bram Stoker Awards.
Length: 600 pages
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: American Gods: The Tenth Anniversary Edition
Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars
3. Neverwhere
It is not one of those things that drags horribly. Read it if you want a lush high fantasy classic. This book is your man with all the intrigue, action, and two charming thieves you could wish for. The story follows Hadrian Blackwater, an aristocrat indoctrinated into a mercenary company. Its plot: Also, the story centers on Royce Melborn, a skilled, cynical thief. They’re caught up in a dark conspiracy of politics, black magic, and old scandals. The books are known for their plot. Oh, and there’s a bit of banter and romance between the two leads.
The show is chock full of twists and turns, situated within a world of rich history and unforgettable characters. The first book in The Riyria Revelations, The Theft of Swords, published on February 15, 2012. Orbit published the book. Each book is about 704 pages, so you get about three books in one (2,400 pages of writing for the whole series)
A leading American author, Neil Gaiman, is known for his work on fantasy. His work combines dark fantasy, dread horror, and folklore. He is known for his gripping storytelling. He has written many other notable books. That includes The Graveyard Book, Coraline, and Good Omens. His work has received countless accolades, and his influence can be seen throughout speculative fiction.
Length: 400 pages
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: Neverwhere 20th Anniversary Edition
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Rivers of London
The series begins with Peter Grant, a young London constable, who becomes part of a special unit against supernatural occurrences following a murder scene with a ghost. The show is a mix of police procedural and urban fantasy, set in the magical underbelly of London and featuring gods, spirits, and other supernatural beings.
The books are praised for their quick-witted dialogue, fast-moving narrative and British mythological exploration. No other book series manages to combine crime investigation elements and magic the way it does. In fact, the characters and story development throughout the series are admirable. The series began with the first book’s release on June 1, 2011, and has since expanded to include several volumes.
Ben Aaronovitch is a British author best known for his Rivers of London series. Aaronovitch’s writing is a mixture of comedy, fantasy, and the supernatural, and he has also done some television scriptwriting. His urban fantasy work is original, and he is well-loved and critically acclaimed.
Length: 3,200 pages, 7 books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: Lies Sleeping (Book 7)
Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. October Daye
The October Daye series follows Toby Daye. The journey of a changeling detective in a world of fae with a sense of danger, intrigue, political games, and supernatural mysteries in which to meddle. The show is known for its detailed world-building, female lead character, and emotionally complicated plots. Toby’s identity, loyalty, and sacrifice challenges give depth to a fantastical adventure.
The series explores family, personal sacrifice, and the fae’s treacherous politics. As Toby battles demons and dragons and struggles with the complex faerie dynamics surrounding her, we see how the world of this complex heroine is as volatile emotionally as it is fantastic. The series was introduced on September 1, 2009, with the first book, Frozen Heat, and has since progressed with each new addition.
Seanan McGuire is an American author, urban fantasy novelist, and author of some urban fantasy novels, including the October Daye series. She is an award-winning writer and editor; the Hugo and the World Fantasy Awards have been given for her work. McGuire is best known for the depth of her characterization and how she uses her stories to explore real-world issues in a fantastic setting.
Length: 5,000 pages, 19 books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: Silver and Lead (Book 19)
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars
6. Kate Daniels
The story revolves around Mercenary Kate Daniels of post-apocalyptic Atlanta, protecting those she loves amid magic that teeters between technology and mysticism. Kate is a strong, independent woman who fights the battles of monsters and enemies with magic, dark sorcerers, and secrets from the past. The series has been lauded for its intense battle scenes, well-developed characters, and massive world-building.
As Kate inches closer to the truth about her supernatural identity and the monsters who crave to possess her, her quest becomes perilous second by second. The series’ first book was published on May 1, 2007, and the last was released in 2017.
Ilona Andrews is the pseudonym for a husband-and-wife writing team that has collaborated since 2007. American author Ilona Gordon and Russian-born American Andrew Gordon made up the bestselling team Ilona Andrews. They also write the Hidden Legacy and Innkeeper Chronicles series. They are known for their characters, action-packed plots, and the development of a world that brings urban fantasy to science fiction and romance.
Length: 3,500 pages, 10 books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: Magic Triumphs (Book 10)
Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars
7. Sandman Slim
The Sandman Slim series follows James Stark, who has just escaped from Hell and plans to settle scores with those who left him hanging there. With a hard-boiled, no-nonsense approach, Stark works through shadowy alleys, dodging monstrous and celestial beings, searching for redemption and truths about his past. The series mixes noir with horror and urban fantasy and is noted for its dark humor and unrelenting violence.
Each book raises the stakes for Stark in the series, drawing him further into a world of violence and supernatural conspiracy. The series began being published on November 1, 2009, and with every title, it keeps growing!
Richard Kadrey is an American author and journalist best known for his Sandman Slim series. His writing is a fusion of noir detective stories and fantasy, characterized by its dark humor and relentless pace. Kadrey has also published other material in the science fiction and horror genres.
Length: 3,500 pages, 12 books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: Ballistic Kiss (Book 12)
Ratings: 4.6 out of 5 stars
8. The Iron Druid Chronicles
The story features Atticus O’Sullivan, a 2,000-year-old druid who has lived through history but now must deal with the magical hazards of contemporary times. The show is known for its high jokes, snappy characters, and mythological meets urban fantasy flair. Atticus tangles with gods, witches, and devils as he tries to outsmart the omnipresent peril, which always seems too great to cope with, even when it is within striking distance.
They are quick, action-packed, humorous, and good books to entertain readers. The series debuted in 2011 with Hounded and concluded in 2018 with Scourged.
Kevin Hearne is an American author of the bestselling Iron Druid Chronicles. He blends fantasy, humor, and action to make a fun, accessible series. Hearne also has some other series set in the same universe as The Iron Druid Chronicles, so he has even more to bring to his world.
Length: 3,000 pages, 10 books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: Scourged (Book 10)
Ratings: 4.8 out of 5 stars
9. The Hollows
The Hollows series follows Rachel Morgan, a witch and bounty hunter who lives in a world where the magical coexist with the mortal. Combining urban fantasy, mystery, and romance, the series follows Rachel as she handles some magical cases among political intrigue, love, and her dark past.
The series is known for its distinctive character development structure, dark tone, elements of horror-comedy, and its theme of motherhood. The first novel premiered on March 1, 2004, and the series concluded in 2014 with The American Demon.
Kim Harrison is an American author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. Bestselling The Hollows series has been wowing fans for more than a decade. Harrison is lauded for her world-building and captivating plots with compelling female protagonists.
Length: 4,500 pages, 15 books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: American Demon (Book 15)
Ratings: 4.7 out of 5 stars
10. The Parasol Protectorate
The series is set in an alternate Victorian England. The Parasol Protectorate features Alexia Tarabotti, a woman without a soul, thrust into the otherwordly vampire, werewolf , and another creature world. Blending steampunk, paranormal romance, and urban fantasy, the series marries cutting-edge wit and social commentary with good old-fashioned adventure.
Carriger’s world is colorful, and the combination of paranormal mystery, eccentric characters, and historical setting makes the series a fun and breezy read. The first work in the series was published on October 1, 2009, and the series ended in 2012.
Gail Carriger is a British author most notable for The Parasol Protectorate series, combining steampunk, romance, and urban fantasy. Her books are known for being witty, humorous, and set in a historical backdrop. Carriger has also published other series, such as The Custard Protocol and Finishing School.
Length: 1,500 pages, 5 books
Formats: Kindle Edition, Hardcover, Audiobook, Paperback
Latest Version: Timeless (Book 5)
Ratings: 4.4 out of 5 stars
Urban fantasy seamlessly blends the magical and the mundane, immersing readers in worlds where magic is effortlessly accessible. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced reader, these series will captivate you and keep you engrossed for hours on end. With highly detailed worlds, compelling characters, and complex storylines, these books will appeal to all readers. Fantasy is a genre that has endured over time. The books on this list are a testament to the great works that have been written that continue to develop the genre, taking it in new directions and offering possibilities that are limited only by one’s imagination—possibilities for both magic and adventure.