The Fantasy Review‘s list of 6 Urban Fantasy Book Series That Feel Like Epic Fantasy.
The Wardstone Chronicles by Joseph Delaney
From the blurb of book 1:
For years, the local Spook has been keeping the County safe from evil. Now his time is coming to an end, but who will take over?
Many apprentices have tried . . . Some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive. Just one boy is left. Thomas Ward. He is the last hope.
But does he stand a chance against Mother Malkin, the most dangerous witch in the County?…
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher
From the blurb of book 1:
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.…
October Daye by Seanan McGuire
From the blurb of book 1:
The world of Faerie never disappeared; it merely went into hiding, continuing to exist parallel to our own. Secrecy is the key to Faerie’s survival—but no secret can be kept forever, and when the fae and mortal worlds collide, changelings are born.
Outsiders from birth, these half-human, half-fae children spend their lives fighting for the respect of their immortal relations. Or, in the case of October “Toby” Daye, rejecting it completely. After getting burned by both sides of her heritage, Toby has denied the fae world, retreating into a “normal” life. Unfortunately for her, Faerie has other ideas…
The Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne
From the blurb of book 1:
Atticus O’Sullivan is the last of the ancient druids. He has been on the run for more than two thousand years and he’s tired of it. The Irish gods who want to kill him are after an enchanted sword he stole in a first-century battle, and when they find him managing an occult bookshop in Tempe, Arizona, Atticus doesn’t want to uproot his life again. He just wants everything to end one way or another, but preferably the way in which he can continue to enjoy fish and chips.…
Rivers of London by by Ben Aaronovitch
From the blurb of book 1:
My name is Peter Grant and until January I was just probationary constable in that mighty army for justice known to all right-thinking people as the Metropolitan Police Service (and as the Filth to everybody else). My only concerns in life were how to avoid a transfer to the Case Progression Unit – we do paperwork so real coppers don’t have to – and finding a way to climb into the panties of the outrageously perky WPC Leslie May.…
Alex Versus by Benedict Jacka
From the blurb of book 1:
Camden, North London. A tangled, mangled junction of train lines, roads and waterways. Where minor celebrities hang out with minor criminals and where tourists and moody teenagers mingle.
In the heart of Camden, where rail meets road meets leyline, you might find the Arcana Emporium, run by one Alex Verus. He won’t sell you a wand or mix you a potion, but if you know what you’re looking for, he might just be able to help. That’s if he’s not too busy avoiding his would-be apprentice, foiling the Dark, outwitting the Light, and investigating a mysterious relic that has just turned up at the British Museum….
For top urban fantasies, please consider adding author Shayne Silvers to the list. His “Nate Temple” series is amazing! The collection includes magic, mythology, mayhem, and mystery. In the field of paranormal, the author stands out with humour, excellent characters, and a well developed plot. It’s an amazing series that just is a must read! Thank you for putting out the list!
The Kate Daniels series by Ilonna Andrews is the most amazing fantasy series out there. Kate is one of the best written characters out there. She is smart, strong and fierce but also caring and funny. Great series.
Thank you for the recommendation. We will endevour to add this series to future lists related to urban fantasy series (of which we have several planned!)