Do You Like the Dresden Files?

Here are five series recommendations if you like the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher.

1.Alex Verus by Benedict Jacka

-I think Harry Dresden would like Alex Verus.

The Alex Verus series is a really good series to try if you like the Dresden Files because they are similar stories. In fact, they are so similar in concept that Jacka gives a nod to Harry Dresden in the first book of the series by referencing a wizard who advertises under the yellow pages. In this series, Alex Verus is a wizard who uses his magic to see into the future. He runs a magic shop in London, and even though he tries to stay out of trouble, trouble seems to find him. 

Though I wouldn’t say this series is on the same level as the Dresden Files, I do think it is really good. If you’re out of books about Harry Dresden, definitely try reading about Alex Verus. Of all the series I have read, this series is the closest to the Dresden Files in concept. In many ways, I think of it as a lighter version of the Dresden Files.

2.Adam Binder by David R. Slayton

-Both Adam and Harry are good men.

The Adam Binder series feels similar to the Dresden Files even though their main similarity is that both Adam and Harry can use magic. Slayton has created an interesting world with a heavy focus on magic and on the world of the elves. In this series, Adam is looking for his father by following a trail of artifacts. When he follows the trail to Denver and his brother Bobby, he finds that finding his father is the least of his worries. A spirit has awoken, and danger is everywhere.

Though I felt like the Adam Binder series feels similar to the Dresden Files, the world isn’t that similar. Adam is a good person who has to make tough choices just like Harry, and both of them care about people most of all. Slayton’s writing style is much simpler and lighter than Butcher’s, but it is still a top-notch series. I think it is worth a try for any Dresden fan.

3.Iron Druid Chronicles by Kevin Hearne

-Whenever it rains for Atticus or Harry… it pours.

The Iron Druid Chronicles is a good match for the tone and darkness of the Dresden Files. Both Harry and Atticus live in worlds with darker enemies and harsher problems. They are both pretty similar in stressful situation. Their snark might eventually get them killed. In the Iron Druid Chronicles, Atticus O’Sullivan is the last of the druids. He owns an occult bookshop, and he’s hiding from literal ancient gods and goddess. Unfortunately, one can’t hide forever from mad all-knowing beings. When the Irish god Aenghus Óg finds him, his peaceful days are over.

Overall, I think the Iron Druid Chronicles is likely to be an enjoyable series for Dresden fans. The feel of the world and Atticus’s personality has some similarities to Butcher’s series. However, Atticus’s world is much more focused on mythology than other magical creatures (even though there are mythical creatures as well). 

4.Pax Arcana by Elliott James

-Harry would laugh at Charming’s name.

This is another darker series set in our world but overrun by the supernatural. This time, however, the main character isn’t a wizard. Instead, he’s half human, half… something else. John Charming isn’t a Prince. He’s a wandering ex monster slayer. Even when minding his own business, trouble comes a knocking and secrets are harder and harder to keep.

The Pax Arcana is a good choice for those who like the Dresden Files because it has a similar darker feel to the world it’s set in, and it has good world building just like Butcher’s series. John is a stubborn guy who has some good snark to him. Plus, he does what needs to be done even if he’d rather be left alone to live in peace. I think Harry would appreciate those qualities.

5. The Hollows by Kim Harrison

-I think Harry and Rachel would work well together.

The Hollows is in the same category as the Iron Druid Chronicles and the Pax Arcana. These books have a darker story with a darker world. The story follows Rachel Morgan, and she’s a witch. She’s also a bounty hunter which means she makes a living on bagging dangerous beings. The only concern is what happens when she tries to take down a being that is out of her league?

The Hollows is a good comparison for the Dresden Files because of the strong pacing of the book. Both stories have a similar pacing that has the plot building step by step. In the Dresden Files, Harry enters a situation at the beginning of each book and then everything slowly gets more complicated while he tries to figure out what is going on and what he needs to do. In The Hollows, Rachel also gets into a situation and then finds things getting more and more complicated as she progresses. Another plus for this series is how it has a fairly unique world with many good characters that support Rachel.

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These are my top five recommendations for you if you like the Dresden Files series. What suggestions do you have? If you’ve read any of these series, I’d love to hear if you think they are a good match for fellow Dresden Files fans.