What I Would Recommend

Whatever your tastes, I could probably give you a good recommendation. For instance, if you’re into the whole erotica paranormal genre, then you should probably check out Cheyenne McCray’s Magic series (Forbidden Magic). For the historical fiction people, Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series (Outlander) is completely breathtaking (I actually can’t wait to get my hands on these books so I go straight for the hardcovers). For those fantasy buffs out there, Maria Snyder’s Study series (Poison Study) is quickly becoming one of my all time favorites; although, this series does tend to have a lot of romantic elements involved. If you’re interested in a straight fantasy novel, the RA Salvatore’s Drizzt series (Homeland) are great or pretty much anything from Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman. Another good novel is Wicked by Gregory Maguire and his other twisted fairy tales (although I’m still getting to them, so take this with a grain of salt). I used to read a lot of romance, so I could tell you to pick up a Nora Roberts book, she’s good for a contemporary romance, but if you want a really good historical romance, then I would check our either Amanda Quick (Lake & March series – Slightly Shady) or Jane Feather (MatchmakingThe Bachelor List or KissWidow’s Kiss). They both tend to lean away from the whole simpering female, yet strong character roles and have more of an independent woman in the lead. If you’re looking for something quick and funny, then the Stephanie Plum series (One for the Dough) by Janet Evanovich is a good bet.

However, when it comes to urban fantasy or just straight paranormal, I have a huge list of authors that I’ve come to love. They don’t all gravitate around the same idea of what vampires, witches, fae, shapeshifters, etc. should be like, so each story has their own unique qualities. I’ll be honest, I’ve actually come across a lot that I like, but I don’t consider all of them to be “buy worthy”. Mainly because I am on a fixed income and I can’t buy them all. So I generally take the ones that I can’t live without before buying the ones I simply like.

Because the list is a little long, I’m only going to include the title to the first novel in each series, but I’ll show how many books there are. If there’s a plus sign after the number, that means there are more books planned or being released soon.

Vampires & Shapeshifters:

Demons, Fae & Magic

I’m not a huge fan of the Young Adult genre.  However, there are a few that I enjoy; these are the ones I would recommend to someone looking for a paranormal YA novel:

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.

12 Comments

  1. Great list! I’m slowly reading my way through these authors. So far I’m head over heels in love with Patricia Briggs and Ilona Andrews. Love, love, love them! Katie MacAlister’s Jim holds a special place in my heart too. I’m about to sink my teeth into Bitten.

    I’m never quite sure what to give friends as a first book. Usually I choose Outlander, because it was my introduction into the romance genre and I fell HARD. But it’s such a big book that many people feel intimidated. I keep pushing books, hoping to addict my friends, but no luck yet. I’ll try some of your suggestions and see if I get better results. Thanks!

    One correction: The first book in Katie MacAlister’s Aisling Grey series is You Slay Me. Fire Me Up is book 2.

  2. I just realized that I did forget one category of novels that I’ve been reaidng lately – paranormal young adult. I know a lot of adults are reading them too, so here’s a couple I’ve found to be good:

    House of Night – PC Cast & Kristin Cast – Marked
    Twilight – Stephenie Meyer – Twilight
    Morgansville Vampires – Rachel Caine – Glass House

  3. Here are more to add to your reading list. I’ve read most of the same authors you have so you may enjoy these also.

    The Carpathians (Dark) Series: by Christine Feehan,
    The Ghostwalker Series: by Christine Feehan,
    Broken Heart, Oklahoma Series: by Michelle Bardsley
    Casa Dracula Series: by Marta Acosta,
    Queen Betsy Series: by MaryJanice Davidson,

  4. You must read the next book in the L.A. Banks Series.”The Awakening”. I too, didn’t think much of the 1st book. The plot was slow and not much was reveiled. (The author really needed help in building the mythos surrounding the main characters their her world and keeping it interesting, but now that it iscomplete the story “starting with the 2nd book” is really good.)

    I read the second book (I’m kinda anal about not finishing a series) and it was like a different author was at work. There are 10 books in the series and and I’ve read all 10 and I’m waiting on the next installlation. I’ve recommended it to many of my reading buddies with the note that the first book is not like the rest and they have all fallen for “Carlos” Master Vampire. Hot Hot!! If don’t want to risk buying it, check your local library.

  5. I’ve read the first novel in the Casa Dracual series by Marta Acosta and while I liked it, it was more a romance novel than anything supernatural in my opinion. The vampires weren’t vampires, just humans with a blood anomaly.

    I do like the Queen Betsy series and I trying to figure out why it isn’t on my list.

  6. Hey. Great list. It gives me some new authors to think about. I’ve read most of Maryjanice Davidson’s Betsy series. She has such a great tongue-in-cheek tone, and all of her secondary characters are interesting.

    I have L.A. Banks’ first book in the vampire huntress series but haven’t gotten a chance to really read it. It’s definitely in my to be read pile, though. I like Emma Petersen’s “Seducing St. Nic” (paranormal romance — soon to be re-released through Ellora’s Cave); Jaid Black’s Trek Mi Q’an series (this was the first futuristic/sci-fi book I’d read in a long time).

    I’m looking forward to Lucienne Diver’s YA book VAMPED. I noticed Sunny wasn’t on your list? I know you’re a fan of hers. I bought all of her Mona Lisa series and cannot wait until the second book in the Demon Princess series “Lucinda, Dangerously” comes out.

    I’ve toyed with starting Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight books, but I think I will wait to see the movie first.

    Michelle Lauren
    American Title V Finalist
    http://myspace.com/michellelaurenbooks

  7. You’re right, I am a fan of Sunny’s yet I haven’t read all of the Mona Lisa novels yet. It’s also been awhile since I read the first one, so when I do get back to those, I’m going to start the series over again. That’s probably why she isn’t on the list though. Also, all of the books listed I actually own and I don’t own Sunny yet. Give me time though, she’ll be added sooner or later.

  8. Michelle Lauren, Stephanie Meyer’s Twilight books are actually a lot better than the movie itself. So don’t let the movie put you off of reading the book. There’s a lot in the books that really isn’t mentioned in the movies and you get a better look into Bella’s mind when reading the books.

    Jackie, another YA author to mention would be Lisa Jane Smith. She has a couple of series out that I have yet to get around to reading, but her Nightworld series is rather interesting. There’s 9 stories total in the Nightworld series, but only 3 actual books, and all of them intertwine with each other. I would have to say to check them out at the library(If you can find them in yours, because I can’t find them in any of my local ones.) before actually buying them. It’s a good series, but I’m not sure if I would be willing to pay Barns & Nobles prices for them. I got mine at Half Priced Books for about 2-3 bucks a piece.

  9. Great list! Here’s a YA series I love: Cassandra Clare’s Mortal Instruments series (City of Bones, City of Ashes, and City of Glass).

  10. Great recs! I’ve read a lot of these but I’m definitely going to check out the ones I’m not familiar with.

    I loved the Karen Chance Cassandra Palmer series and the Broken Heart, Oklahoma books are really quick and fun! For YA, I would definitely recommend LJ Smith’s The Vampire Diaries and The Secret Circle (although, I read these in elementary school – not sure if I would still have loved them as a young adult). I never read Nightworld, I’ll have to check those out too!

    Also, I loved Sunshine, by Robin McKinley.

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