13 Addicting Books (and series!) similar to Dresden Files: ranked and reviewed: Urban Fantasy Recommendations

This is a list of Urban Fantasy recommendations, with a focus on books that are similar to Dresden Files. I hope you will enjoy this list of Dresden Files readalikes.



The upper right quadrant are books that I would recommend if someone said, "I'm a fan of Dresden Files, what should I read next?" But really what that is is what I consider to be (at least okay quality) Urban Fantasy books. 

Video giving an overview of all of these books: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JA3RJ7Qpipk

Playlist of videos talking about each of these books: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzKif11L57edKMx6vQ4F0NCkZqdN91yi1 

My top recommendations: 

  • Rivers of London, Ben Aaronovitch 
    • London magic police, inventive magic system. Great characters and relationships.
  • Sandman Slim, Richard Kadrey
    • Witty and gritty. Strong characterization and themes, fast paced and high tension.
  • Spider-man: Darkest Hours, Jim Butcher
    • Classic Spider-man snark. Standalone book. Nice character arcs, power of friendship.
  • Alex Verus, Benedict Jacka
    • Future-sight magic done extraordinarily well. Emphasis more on the magical politics and exploration of morality. 
  • Mercy Thompson, Patricia Briggs
    • Building a found family dynamics. Supernatural creatures (Werewolves, Fae, Vampires).

Other books on this list:

  • Dresden Files, Jim Butcher
  • Alpha and Omega, Patricia Briggs
  • Kate Daniels, Ilona Andrews
  • Guild Codex, Annette Marie
  • October Daye, Seanan McGuire
  • Iron Druid, Kevin Hearne
  • Powder Mage, Brian McClellan
  • Codex Alera, Jim Butcher

This post will be updated as I read more books. Last update: January 2022.

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