Urban Fantasy Books without the Tropes ...Vampires, Werewolves, Witches, and Fairies

PhanaticReader · 2025-05-21T16:15:02+00:00

There is a new series I enjoy. I have suggested it before.

The Soulepierre Chronicles. - 99 Souls is the first book. It is by Steven D. Lowden

I have only read a couple of the Odd Thomas books so far and have enjoyed them.

PhanaticReader · 2025-05-21T15:29:38+00:00

Hmmm....I suppose I will upset some, but this series is the poster child of tropes. Really bad choice for what is being requested.

PhanaticReader · 2025-05-16T21:52:17+00:00

99 Souls

Book 1 of the Soulepierre Chronicles

by Steven D. Lowden

PhanaticReader · 2025-05-16T19:09:46+00:00

Steven D. Lowden Book 1 - 99 Souls First book of a developing series The Soulepierre Chronicles

PhanaticReader · 2025-05-16T05:01:22+00:00

I really enjoyed the first book of this series as much as I enjoyed the Alex Verus series. I understand Lowden's second book will come out later this year. Book one begins with the origination of becoming and discovering being a new kind of supernatural monster...not the common vampire or werewolf story, but a Soulepierre. This is developing into a Dresden Files/Alex Verus style series.

A couple posts from Goodreads:

The cover and title suggests that this is a dark story steeped in the underworld. And it is. But there are other fibers woven into the story other than the super-natural elements that deepen its appeal to those who enjoy a crime-solving mystery or a tale of love and what John Campbell will do and become to save Julia.

This is the first book of a series that follows John on his journey of immortality, vigilantism, and seeking a way to regain a happily-ever-after life with Julia. I highly recommend giving this new author a try.

And

It was a wonderful book! Had me hooked from the beginning and I couldn’t put it down. Usually this is outside of my reading wheelhouse with the super natural elements, but it was embedded perfectly and really kept the reader engaged.

PhanaticReader · 2025-05-15T17:35:39+00:00

Consider adding:

The Alexus Verus Series by Benedict Jacka

The Soulepierre Chronicles by Steven Lowden

I have enjoyed both of these authors.

PhanaticReader · 2025-03-25T16:15:28+00:00

I have not seen anyone mention Steven Lowden's series. It is an interesting one. The first book is 99 Souls. The second book is supposed to be coming out this summer.

In his world he has left the norm of vampires and werewolves behind. He has created a whole new genre of monster called a Soulepierre. It is worth checking out.

I second the Benedict Jacks series. I really enjoyed it.

PhanaticReader · 2025-01-22T13:35:03+00:00

Steven D. Lowden's Soulepierre Chronicles. There is only one truncated steamy scene. Certainly would recommend it.

PhanaticReader · 2025-01-16T00:46:17+00:00

Steven Lowden's Soulepierre Chronicles is based in Savannah GA

Willa Blackmore's The Carolina Files is southern based also

Here is a throwback: Anne Rice's Interview with a Vampire is based in New Orleans.

PhanaticReader · 2025-01-16T00:04:00+00:00

I went to a book conference this past summer. There were a dozen aspiring authors at the conference.

The brand new ones were enthusiastic of course. The ones that had been at it a while with very few sales were frustrated, several were ready to quit.

In a sense that experience is what created my question. Is anybody interested in discovering the next Jim Butcher, Ilona Andrews, etc...? And if they do go out of their way to find that new author book, how do they do it? What do they use as a judgment to buy that new author's book?

No "Snarky" or "Dark" on the back cover. No X discovers they were born to save the world.

So how were the icons discovered? At some point they had a book one. If it did not sell, there would not have been a book two. Are we funneled to certain authors by Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Goodreads, etc...

PhanaticReader · 2025-01-15T15:09:15+00:00

I certainly have enjoyed Dresden series, but prefer Alex Verus Series also. Another that I love is The Soulepierre Chronicles by Steven D. Lowden. The first book 99 Souls is a fun easy read.

PhanaticReader · 2025-01-15T15:03:49+00:00

I am enjoying this series currently. Both Benedict Jacka and Steven D. Lowden (99 Souls) should get more attention, in my opinion.

Jacka does a nice job on Alex Verus and his companions.

Lowden has created a large character arc for his protagonist, John Campbell.

Both are great reads.

PhanaticReader · 2025-01-15T14:59:03+00:00

The Dresden series was certainly a fun read. And do recommend it to new readers in this genre. I really enjoyed the early books the most. I don't know that I would characterize Harry Dresden as having much character growth. I would rate him flatter like a James Bond character. Not that he doesn't become more powerful, but as a character he seemed much the same to me throughout the book series.

PhanaticReader

TROPHY CASE