Discover our list of authors like Patricia Briggs, who spin intricate urban fantasies and tales of mystery, magic, and the supernatural.
Urban fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy that marries the trappings of contemporary life with elements of the fantastic, such as magic, mythical creatures, and supernatural beings. Some of the best fantasy authors offer readers an escape from the mundane, a thrilling alternate reality that’s hidden within their own, presenting an appealing contrast that fuels the genre’s popularity. With its unique blend of mystery, adventure, and romance, urban fantasy appeals to those who relish the idea of a fantastical underworld thriving beneath the veneer of daily life.
Stepping into the world of Patricia Briggs is like entering a fusion of the everyday and the supernatural. Patricia Briggs is an acclaimed author within the urban fantasy genre, recognized for her knack for immersive world-building and compelling character development.
Two of her most renowned series include the Mercy Thompson series, which follows the life of a shapeshifting mechanic in a world where the paranormal is the norm, and the Alpha and Omega series, which delves into the realm of werewolves, bringing a unique mix of suspense, romance, and fantasy. Patricia Briggs’ work is emblematic of the best the urban fantasy genre has to offer.
In 2025, Briggs continues to be a dominant force in urban fantasy, with her latest releases expanding the Mercy Thompson universe and exploring new supernatural territories. Her influence on the genre has inspired countless authors to create their own modern magical worlds, making urban fantasy one of the most popular supernatural fiction genres today.
For more recommendations, you might also enjoy exploring authors like Harlan Coben, authors like Gillian Flynn, best detective novel series.
Must-Read Authors Like Patricia Briggs
1. Nalini Singh, 1977 -
Born in Fiji but raised in New Zealand, Nalini Singh attended the University of Auckland, where she studied English Literature and Law and graduated with honors. As a multi-award-winning author, Singh has been recognized by the Romance Writers of New Zealand, where she placed third in the Clendon Award competition. She was also awarded the Jane Porter Award and the Readers’ Choice Award from the Clendon Award.
Her Psy/Changeling series and Guild Hunter series have both gained her recognition on the New York Times bestseller list. She also received the Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award in 2014. In 2024 and 2025, Singh has continued to expand her interconnected supernatural universes, with her latest releases showing remarkable evolution in both world-building complexity and character development.
Singh’s first novel in the Psy/Changeling series, Slave to Sensation, introduces readers to a dystopian future where the world is populated by three races: the emotionless Psy, the shapeshifting Changelings, and the human population caught in between. The book centers around Sascha Duncan, a Psy struggling to conceal her emotions, and Lucas Hunter, a Changeling alpha, whose path crosses with Sascha in his pursuit of a Psy serial killer.
The intricate world-building and evolving relationship dynamics form the crux of this urban fantasy novel, establishing Singh as a master of complex supernatural societies that feel both alien and familiar.
“Hunter had become the only ruling alpha in the DarkRiver leopard pack at twenty-three years of age.”
- Nalini Singh, Slave to Sensation
2. Jeaniene Frost, 1974 -
Jeaniene Frost found her calling in writing urban fantasy and paranormal romance novels. Her life in Maryland includes exploring old cemeteries, reading, watching movies, and traveling by car. Frost’s Night Huntress series quickly found its footing, earning her the PEARL award for Best New Author of Paranormal Romance in 2009.
Frost’s books have been featured on several book lists, including the Wall Street Journal, Publishers Weekly, ABA Indiebound, and more. Her recent 2024 releases have shown increased sophistication in balancing humor with genuine emotional stakes, making her work particularly appealing to readers who appreciate both wit and heart in their supernatural fiction.
Her debut novel, Halfway to the Grave, marked the beginning of the Night Huntress series. This urban fantasy introduces Cat Crawfield, a half-vampire hunting the undead to avenge her mother, and Bones, a vampire bounty hunter who becomes Cat’s unlikely ally. Together, they navigate threats, uncover secrets, and deal with their growing attraction.
A balance of humor, action, and romance elevates the story’s depth and appeal, creating the perfect template for modern urban fantasy that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering genuine thrills.
“No. I don’t think you’re pretty. I think you’re the most beautiful girl I’ve ever seen.”
- Jeaniene Frost, Halfway to the Grave
3. Jim Butcher, 1971 -
Born and raised in Missouri, Jim Butcher’s passion for storytelling emerged in his early 20s. Butcher has been vocal about his long and arduous journey to becoming a published author and is always helpful in offering aspiring writers honest information about the hard work involved. The Dresden Files, his best-known work, is a blend of magic and mystery that adds significantly to the genre.
Notably, Butcher received the Hugo Award in 2009 for The Dresden Files: Welcome to the Jungle. In 2025, Butcher continues to be the gold standard for urban fantasy detective fiction, with his recent releases maintaining the series’ reputation for combining noir sensibilities with magical mayhem.
Storm Front, the first book of The Dresden Files series, immerses readers in the life of Harry Dresden, a wizard detective in modern-day Chicago. With his unique skill set, Dresden aids the police in solving crimes that have a supernatural bend. The novel presents an absorbing mixture of detective fiction and fantasy, setting the foundation for a series that has enthralled fans for years.
What makes Dresden Files particularly compelling is Butcher’s ability to make magic feel both wondrous and mundane, creating a world where supernatural problems require both magical solutions and good old-fashioned detective work.
“Smiling always seems to annoy people more than actually insulting them. Or maybe I just have an annoying smile.”
- Jim Butcher, Storm Front
4. Charlaine Harris, 1951 -
Charlaine Harris hails from Mississippi, where she started writing very early. It wasn’t until she graduated college that she turned her attention from writing poetry and plays to writing urban fantasy mysteries. Her work, often characterized by an inventive blend of mystery and the supernatural, led to her being a New York Times bestselling author and being nominated for the Agatha Awards under the Best Novel category in 1990.
Harris’s impact on popular culture cannot be overstated—her Southern Vampire Mysteries series became the basis for the hit HBO series True Blood, bringing urban fantasy to mainstream television audiences and inspiring a new generation of supernatural romance readers.
Harris’s novel Dead Until Dark is the first entry in the Southern Vampire Mysteries series. The narrative revolves around Sookie Stackhouse, a telepathic waitress from a small Louisiana town. Her life changes dramatically when she meets Bill Compton, a vampire. Harris skillfully weaves elements of mystery, romance, and the paranormal into a compelling narrative set in a world where humans and vampires coexist.
The series’ exploration of prejudice, community, and acceptance through the lens of supernatural integration makes it more than just entertainment—it’s social commentary wrapped in Southern Gothic charm.
“Denise wasn’t truly pretty, but she was so flashy and confident that it took a while to figure that out.”
- Charlaine Harris, Dead Until Dark
5. Laurell K. Hamilton, 1963 -
Born in Heber Springs, Arkansas, and raised in Indiana, Laurell K. Hamilton earned dual degrees in English and Biology from a private Indiana college, formerly Marion College. She is passionate about animal rescue efforts and supports several animal charities. During her long career, she has authored several standalone titles, two book series, spin-off comic books, and several anthologies.
Hamilton’s writing skillfully blends urban fantasy, mystery, and horror elements, often pushing boundaries in ways that have both thrilled and challenged readers. Her influence on the urban fantasy genre, particularly in terms of exploring darker themes and complex moral ambiguity, has been significant.
Guilty Pleasures, the first book in the Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series, introduces readers to the eponymous heroine, a professional necromancer and vampire hunter in a world where vampires and shapeshifters exist openly. As Anita navigates a series of vampire murders, Hamilton skillfully unfolds a world that balances crime-solving with supernatural elements.
The series is notable for its unflinching examination of power, violence, and sexuality within supernatural relationships, making it a more mature take on urban fantasy that influenced countless authors who followed.
“Fear will bind you closer than love, or hate, and it works a hell of a lot quicker.”
- Laurell K. Hamilton, Guilty Pleasures
6. Kevin Hearne, 1970 -
Kevin Hearne, an Arizona native, is a modern voice in the urban fantasy genre, best known for his Iron Druid Chronicles. Hearne spent seventeen years as a high school English teacher before pursuing writing full-time. His first book, Hounded, quickly became a success and led to a series spanning nine books and several short stories.
What sets Hearne apart is his deep knowledge of mythology from various cultures, which he weaves together in contemporary settings with remarkable authenticity. His background in education shows in his ability to make complex mythological concepts accessible to modern readers while maintaining their power and mystery.
The first book of the Iron Druid Chronicles, Hounded, presents Atticus O’Sullivan, the last of the Druids. Set in modern-day Arizona, the novel spins a tale of magic, myth, and mayhem as Atticus battles with the gods of old. Hearne’s deft storytelling immerses readers in a vivid world, combining Irish mythology with contemporary settings and humor.
The series’ strength lies in its balance of ancient wisdom and modern sensibilities, creating a protagonist who is both incredibly old and refreshingly contemporary in his outlook.
“Cowardly? Bleh. Tell you what: Let’s debate the meaning of honor and see who lives longer.”
- Kevin Hearne, Hounded
7. Carrie Vaughn, 1973 -
Colorado-based author Carrie Vaughn was born into an Air Force family and thus has lived in multiple places during her life. Vaughn loved science fiction from a young age, and some of her favorite authors include Ray Bradbury, Joseph Conrad, Iain M. Banks, and Ursula K. LeGuin. She is best known for her Kitty Norville series, featuring a werewolf radio host, which was a breakout success and earned Vaughn the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best First Mystery for Kitty and the Midnight Hour.
Vaughn’s approach to urban fantasy is notable for its focus on community, identity, and the ways supernatural beings might actually integrate into modern society. Her background moving frequently as a military child informs her understanding of what it means to find belonging in unfamiliar places.
Kitty and the Midnight Hour, the first book in the Kitty Norville series, centers on Kitty Norville, a radio host for a late-night music program. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she starts a call-in show for supernaturals, inadvertently revealing her secret as a werewolf to her listeners. As she navigates this new reality, Kitty becomes a beacon for others hiding their supernatural identities while dealing with various personal and supernatural threats.
The series excels at exploring what it would really be like for supernatural beings to exist in our media-saturated world, making it both entertaining and surprisingly thoughtful.
“That’s not any fun. I want to have fun.”
- Carrie Vaughn, Kitty and the Midnight Hour
8. Karen Marie Moning, 1964 -
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, Karen Marie Moning has carved a niche in urban fantasy and romance. After graduating from Purdue University with a degree in Society and Law, she eventually became a novelist. Before that, she had been a bartender, insurance specialist, and computer consultant. Her Fever series, a seamless blend of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural has garnered her numerous awards, including the prestigious RITA award for Best Paranormal Romance.
Moning’s work is known for its lush, atmospheric descriptions and complex mythology that spans multiple books and series. Her ability to create interconnected storylines that reward long-time readers while remaining accessible to newcomers has made her a master of series fiction.
Moning’s Darkfever, the first entry in the Fever series, introduces readers to MacKayla Lane, a southern woman traveling to Ireland to investigate her sister’s murder. Her quest pulls her into a world of dark magic and ancient secrets. Moning’s skillful storytelling and engaging plot create a compelling read that effectively sets up the intricate world of the Fever series.
The series is particularly notable for its gradual revelation of a vast supernatural conspiracy that spans centuries, making each book both a standalone adventure and part of a larger, epic narrative.
“Movies tell you what to think. A good book lets you choose a few thoughts for yourself.”
- Karen Marie Moning, Darkfever
9. Kelley Armstrong, 1968 -
Canadian author Kelley Armstrong has been a staple in the urban fantasy genre for over two decades. Armstrong’s career began with her Women of the Otherworld series, which has earned her recognition and acclaim. She has also made a name for herself in the young adult genre with her Darkest Powers trilogy.
Her work shows her keen interest in psychology, technology, and all things supernatural. Armstrong’s background in psychology informs her nuanced portrayal of how supernatural abilities might actually affect someone’s mental health and social relationships, bringing a level of realism to fantastical concepts.
In the first book of the Women of the Otherworld series, Bitten, Armstrong introduces readers to Elena Michaels, a journalist living in Toronto and the world’s only female werewolf. Armstrong crafts a rich world where the supernatural lives alongside the mundane, blending suspense, horror, and romance elements.
The story’s compelling characters and well-drawn setting make it a standout in the urban fantasy genre, particularly for its exploration of what it means to be different in a world that demands conformity.
“I’ve been fighting it all night. I’m going to lose.”
- Kelley Armstrong, Bitten
10. Faith Hunter, 1947 -
Faith Hunter, born Gwendolyn Faith Hunter, is a Louisiana-born author. She uses the pen name Faith Hunter for her urban fantasy novels and Gwen Hunter for her thriller genre novels. Hunter began writing while still in high school in Louisiana. She graduated with a degree in Allied Health Technology and began a successful career working in a local hospital.
Hunter has more than 40 books, including the popular Jane Yellowrock series. Her past medical experience shows in the rich scientific detail in her novels, bringing a level of authenticity to supernatural healing and transformation that sets her work apart from many urban fantasy authors.
The first novel in the Jane Yellowrock series, Skinwalker, revolves around Jane, a shapeshifter who can turn into any creature she desires. Hired by the vampire council of New Orleans to hunt down a rogue vampire, Jane’s mission takes unexpected turns. Hunter’s detailed world-building and strong, complex heroine has made this series a favorite among urban fantasy fans.
The series excels at combining Native American mythology with contemporary urban fantasy elements, creating a unique voice in a crowded genre while treating cultural elements with respect and authenticity.
“Beast had once informed me that humans were hunters only by luck and because they had opposable thumbs.”
- Faith Hunter, Skinwalker
What Makes These Authors Perfect for Patricia Briggs Fans
These authors share several key elements that make Patricia Briggs’s work so compelling. First, they all excel at creating urban fantasy worlds that feel both magical and believable, where supernatural beings exist alongside—or hidden within—our modern world. Their protagonists are typically strong, complex characters who must navigate both supernatural threats and personal relationships.
Like Briggs, these authors understand that great urban fantasy isn’t just about magic and monsters—it’s about community, identity, and finding your place in a world that’s more complex than it appears on the surface. They balance action, romance, and character development in ways that keep readers invested in both the immediate plot and the long-term series arcs.
In 2025, urban fantasy continues to evolve, with these authors leading the charge in creating more diverse, psychologically complex, and socially relevant supernatural fiction. Whether you’re drawn to the political intrigue of Nalini Singh’s shapeshifter societies, the humor and heart of Jeaniene Frost’s vampire hunters, or the noir sensibilities of Jim Butcher’s wizard detective, you’ll find compelling worlds that capture the same magic that makes Patricia Briggs’s work so addictive.
Each of these authors brings their own unique voice to the urban fantasy genre while maintaining the core elements that make it so appealing: the promise that magic exists just beneath the surface of our everyday world, waiting to be discovered by those brave enough to look.
