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Transport yourself into fantastical modern-day worlds with these urban fantasy books.
Urban fantasy is a fun sub-genre of fantasy where the real world collides with a magical world. These typically take place in modern urban settings that you can find in contemporary society.
From popular favorites from Ilona Andrews to the well-renowned Mercy Thompson series, prepare to venture onto some insane adventures.
Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews
When mercenary Kate Daniels learns of her guardian’s murder, she sets out to find the killer.
With no witnesses or leads in sight, Kate takes control of the investigation, inadvertently drawing her into a precarious situation dominated by two warring rivals within the magical community.
If Kate’s life wasn’t hard enough, she soon learns she’s become a target of a merciless killer.
Magic Bites is undoubtedly one of the best urban fantasy books out there, so if you have some time on your hands, I recommend reading this lengthy ten-book series. Expect witty banter, hilarious Kate Daniels-isms and a splendid slow-burn romance, perfect for fans of the enemies-to-lovers trope.
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
It’s time to get into Sarah J. Maas’s Crescent City series, filled with magic, danger, and a scorching romance.
Half-Fae and half-human Bryce Quinlan is out for blood after learning that her closest friends were murdered. With help from the infamous Fallen angel Hunt Athalar, Bryce plans on finding the murderer and bringing her friends justice.
Read House of Earth and Blood if you love the enemies-to-lovers trope, angels, demons and kickass heroines who will do whatever it takes to destroy the monster responsible for the vicious slaughter of her friends.
The Last Sun by K.D. Edwards
As the sole survivor of the Sun Court, Rune Saint John struggled to piece together the crumbling remains of his life. If not for his bodyguard and childhood companion, Brand, he would have given up long ago.
When the duo takes on a case to find Lady Judgment’s missing son, their investigation takes them down a dangerous path that unearths clues that not only pertain to the case but to Rune’s past.
In The Last Sun, K.D. Edwards crafts a mesmerizingly beautiful world rife with political intrigue, mystery, and heart-pounding action. For readers interested in adult urban fantasy books, I cannot recommend Edwards’ debut novel enough.
The One and Only Crystal Druid by Annette Marie
Saber Rose is an impulsive, switchblade-slinging vigilante with a chip on her shoulder.
Zac is an intimidating and perpetually moody druid with a mile-long rap sheet.
When their paths cross, they strike up an unlikely partnership to defeat the deadly foe terrorizing the fae community.
As they become more entrenched in the search, the two unwittingly find themselves falling for one another. That is until Saber discovers that their bond goes much deeper than they could have ever imagined.
Talk about a catastrophic explosion.
Explosive, exciting, and unputdownable, The One and Only Crystal Druid is a spellbinding urban fantasy fae romance that will leave you desperate for more.
The Awakening by Nora Roberts
When debt-ridden teacher Breen Kelly discovers her long-lost father left her $4 million in investments, all her prayers are answered. With a small portion of her life-changing fortune, Breen takes a trip to Ireland.
There she learns that her entire life was a lie.
That the mysterious silver-haired man that haunted her dreams was not a figment of her imagination.
That her destiny does not lie on Earth, but in the magical realm of the fae.
And once Breen travels through the portal, nothing will ever be the same.
Searching for captivating urban fantasy romance books filled with adventure, danger, and magic? Nora Roberts’ captivating release The Awakening is the perfect option and will take you on a magical journey into the world of fairies and mermaids.
Sapphire Flames by Ilona Andrews
Forced to take over her family’s private investigation business and become the reluctant head of House Baylor, Catalina Baylor is more than a little stressed by the onslaught of responsibility and danger that comes with the job. When a dangerous gig pops up, Catalina is more determined than ever to help her young client despite multiple people warning her away from the case.
One of those people happens to be her teenage crush Alessandro Sagredo, the charismatic Italian Prime with an unclear hidden agenda. Despite his mysterious motives, Catalina must form a tenuous alliance with the deadly Prime if she hopes to survive the risky investigation.
Sapphire Flames is an unputdownable urban fantasy romance overflowing with magic, nonstop action, off-the-charts tension, and mystery. If you have yet to read Burn For Me, I recommend starting there for a more enhanced reading experience.
A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab
Kell is a magician, one of the rare few who travel between the parallel London: Red, Grey, White and Black. Raised in Red London, Kell serves as an ambassador for the Maresh Empire and frequently travels in and out of the Londons to pass along messages and smuggle artifacts.
When a trip to White London goes awry, Kell finds himself in possession of a dangerous stone from Black London, a world that was closed off after a deadly magical apocalypse swept across the city and ravaged the lands. And when the stone falls into the hands of Delilah Bard, Kell’s life will become forever intertwined with the thief from Grey London.
Filled with evil, power-hungry rulers, forbidden magical artifacts and thrilling adventures, A Darker Shade of Magic is a spellbinding urban fantasy that boasts a unique magical system and an incredibly slow slow-burn romance.
Lady Midnight by Cassandra Clare
Re-enter the world of the Shadowhunters with childhood friends Emma Carstairs and Julian Blackthorn.
With demonic activity on the rise, Emma and Julian must figure out what’s behind the sacrificial killings, necromancy and highly active ley lines before it’s too late. However, Emma and Julian have one big problem. As parabatai, they share a special bond, but parabatai are forbidden from falling in love…
Exciting, action-packed, and adventurous, Lady Midnight is an unforgettable friends-to-lovers urban fantasy romance filled with forbidden love, an intricate magic system, and well-developed characters.
Halfway to the Grave by Jeaniene Frost
Catherine “Cat” Crawfield is a half-vampire with a vendetta. Raised to believe all vampires are clones of her evil father, Cat is determined to rid the world of the bloodthirsty parasites to avenge her mother’s memory. Everything is going according to plan until she targets the wrong vampire.
Crispin “Bones” Russel is a 200-year-old British bounty hunter with an agenda. When Cat tries putting the master vampire in an early grave, she quickly realizes that she’s far over her head. Blackmailed into working with him, Cat slowly learns that not every vamp deserves a stake to the heart, especially not the one stealing hers.
Steamy, action-packed and witty, Halfway To The Grave is a gripping paranormal romance that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Featuring a badass vampire hunting duo with waves of sexual tension and heart-stopping action sequences, Jeaniene Frost’s best-selling novel is one of the best urban fantasy romance books.
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
Hidden within the streets of London lies a world that only those who fall between the cracks witness.
When London businessman Richard Mayhew offers a hand to a girl bleeding on the sidewalk, he unwittingly sets off a chain of events that catapult him into an alternate London that is a labyrinth of riddles and magic.
In Neverwhere, Neil Gaiman crafts a lush world reminiscent of Alice in Wonderland. And with his signature prose and imaginative storytelling, Neverwhere is undoubtedly a hallmark of urban fantasy, making it one of the best books to open when first jumping into this sub-genre.
Burn for Me by Ilona Andrews
When Nevada Baylor is faced with apprehending Houston’s deadliest Prime pyrokinetic, she knows it is a suicide mission. But with her business on the line, she will do whatever it takes to capture Adam Pierce… even if that means partnering up with the legendary Butcher of Merida, Connor “Mad” Rogan.
If you are in the market for an exciting slow-burn forced proximity urban fantasy romance, you need Ilona Andrews’ bestselling series on your list. Burn For Me is an inferno of action, mayhem, chaos, and mystery. Trust me when I say it is only bound to get hotter, especially with Rogan fanning those flames.
Taming Demons for Beginners by Annette Marie
Taming Demons for Beginners opens up with Robin moving in with her Uncle, the executioner of her parents’ will, as it has been six months since her parent’s tragic accident and she has yet to receive her inheritance or her mothers’ grimoire.
When Robin unknowingly stumbles upon her uncle and his business partner arguing over a highly illegal summoning circle in the library, Robin’s life is irrevocably changed and it all starts with one wayward cookie.
Relatable, quirky and fun, Annette Marie brings us a super slow slow-burn urban fantasy romance between the resident introvert who despises confrontation and the curious demon who never fails to speak his mind.
Chain of Gold by Cassandra Clare
The shadowhunters are back in Cassandra Clare’s exciting, new spinoff Chain of Gold.
James and Lucie Herondale have only known peace in the Shadowhunter community. Their idyllic view is shattered with the arrival of the Blackthorn and Carstairs families along with a plague that only promises the inevitable: Death.
If you’re into urban fantasy books with creatures from all walks of life, literally, then you’ll love Chain of Gold. Also, get ready for some unrequited love. It will drive you bonkers I tell you. Bonkers!
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
A mysterious benefactor. A secret society. A deadly ritual.
Hidden behind the ivy-laced walls of Yale is a society of one-percenters that have a hand in more than the stock exchange. They also dabble in magic.
Former drug user and high school dropout Galaxy “Alex” Stern may be Yale’s most peculiar Freshman, a fact she is all too aware of upon being plucked off the streets of Los Angeles and given a full-ride to the prestigious school.
Determined to uncover what led to her unexpected acceptance, Alex soon discovers that it is all because of her ability to engage with ghosts. Thrust into the secret underground of Yale society, Alex must learn how to navigate the deadly halls if she ever hopes to survive her first year of college.
Darkly complex, impossibly mysterious, and eerily creepy, Ninth House is an unputdownable must-read from Leigh Bardugo, the bestselling author of Six of Crows. As one of the best urban fantasy books on the market, you cannot go wrong with this page-turner.
Moon Called by Patricia Briggs
When a forbidden love affair left coyote shifter Mercedes Thompson without a pack or a home, she looked elsewhere and found a home in Washington, working as a mechanic. Mercy had no plans of ever dredging up her past. That is until a newly-shifted teen wolf shows up at her doorstep in need of help.
Let’s just say life is about to get complicated for the coyote shifter.
Vampire, shifters, and fae. Oh my! Filled with paranormal creatures from all walks of life, Moon Called will keep you thoroughly entertained from start to finish. And as one of the best urban fantasy books, you cannot go wrong with this must-read.
Rosemary and Rue by Seanan McGuire
Former private investigator October “Toby” Daye is no stranger to the paranormal.
Despite her changeling status, Toby has done everything she can to distance herself from her fae heritage – Something that proves futile when a murder mystery sweeps her into the fae world.
Rosemary and Rue is an enchanting urban fantasy with stellar world-building, top-notch character development, and captivating plots. And as one of the best urban fantasy series, I recommend adding these books to your TBR list.
Angels’ Blood by Nalini Singh
When an archangel enlists you to track another wayward archangel, you can’t say no. That’s how vampire hunter Elena Deveraux ends up as the Archangel Raphael’s bloodhound.
Soon Elena finds herself thrust into the center of a murder spree all whilst trying to survive her burgeoning feelings for an archangel who has no plans of turning on his humanity.
Check out Angels’ Blood if you like adult urban fantasy romance books that bring you forbidden love that is as slow burn as they get.
Blood Heir by Ilona Andrews
In a world ravaged by the fight between magic and technology, the city of Atlanta is quickly unraveling as infrastructure crumbles and monsters rise from the depths of the wreckage.
With the apocalypse drawing close, Julie Lennart knows it’s time to return to save her loved ones. Except there’s one person who has the power to thwart all her plans – the love of her life.
Looking for an urban fantasy that will sweep you off your feet? You’re in luck. Blood Heir is a captivating fantasy filled with magic, adventure, and a dash of romance.
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Clary Fray’s night out takes a shocking turn when she becomes the sole witness to a murder committed by three teenagers covered in strange tattoos. The crux of her problem? The crime was invisible to everyone besides her.
When Clary’s mother disappears, her entire world is turned upside down when she is thrust into the world of the Shadowhunters and learns that there may be more to her than she ever thought possible.
With nonstop action and captivating characters, prepare to carve out a couple of days, or weeks, to devote to this exciting series because you will not be able to stop once you step into the world of the Shadowhunters. And as one of the best urban fantasy books, I recommend dropping everything and opening City of Bones now.
Midnight Labyrinth by Elizabeth Hunter
Returning home to New York opens up a wealth of opportunities for the alluring Benjamin Vecchio and his vampire partner Tenzin.
When Ben learns of the intriguing history behind the mysterious painting known as the Midnight Labyrinth, the duo embark on a journey to unearth the long-lost masterpiece.
Add in Ben’s old flame Chloe, the charming Scotsman Gavin and a host of hilarious shenanigans and you have yourself one hell of a ride.
Mysterious, witty and sexy, Midnight Labyrinth is an unputdownable urban fantasy overflowing with adventure, romance and intrigue. And if you’re in the mood for an epic heist with a slow-burn romance, you won’t be able to put this page-turner down.
Written in Red by Anne Bishop
With help from shapeshifter Simon Wolfgard, blood prophet Meg Corbyn finds refuge at Lakeside Courtyard, the home of the Others, as a Human Liaison between the human world and the supernatural community.
But when Simon learns that Meg’s wanted by the government, he’ll have to decide whether she’s worth the trouble.
In Written in Red, Anne Bishop brings us an enchanting urban fantasy series that is undoubtedly one of the best slow-burn werewolf romance books.
Warrior Fae Trapped by K.F. Breene
For 21-year-old Charity, nothing sounds more tortuous than a night out at an elite college party surrounded by a bunch of plastered trust-fund babies, especially when it can be spent studying for her upcoming midterm.
Pressured into going by her über rich roommate, Charity quickly realizes that it is far from a normal college party. And when a horde of ghastly-looking creatures with wickedly sharp fangs make their grand appearance, Charity barely clears the front door when she is attacked by a pack of oversized wolves.
Nothing could make the night any worse. Well, except learning that you’re a lost fae warrior who is anything but mundane.
Intriguing, exciting, and addictive, Warrior Fae Trapped is an action-packed urban fantasy fae romance filled with magic, romance, and adventure.
Angelfall by Susan Ee
It has been 42 days since the apocalypse: the day angels descended from above to eradicate humanity. For Penryn, life has become a game of life and death where only the lucky survive. When her younger sister is kidnapped, Penryn will do whatever it takes to rescue her. Even if that means striking up an unlikely alliance with the enemy.
After eons of fighting his own battles, Raffe never expects a half-starved teenage girl to come to his rescue. But when a fight ends with him wingless, they must rely on each other to survive the dangerous wastelands of Northern California.
Susan Ee delivers an action-packed trilogy perfect for fans of slow-burn urban fantasy romances. Brimming with deadly angels hellbent on slaughtering humans, a kick-ass heroine, and a simmering enemies-to-lovers romance, this is an exciting read you don’t want to miss.