10 epic sci-fi/fantasy book series to binge
By Daniel Roman
4. The Dresden Files
If you want more detective flavor than The Expanse can give you, it’s time to visit urban fantasy’s most famous private eye: Harry Dresden, wizard at large. The Dresden Files is a long-running series by author Jim Butcher. It’s filled with tongue-in-cheek humor, magical mischief, and deeply moving plot turns. Considering that protagonist Harry Dresden is Chicago’s only wizard private investigator, it pretty much has to. As the sign outside his office reads:
"HARRY DRESDEN—WIZARD Lost items found. Paranormal investigations. Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates. No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties, Or Other Entertainment."
If you were a fan of TV shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, then Harry Dresden’s got your number. That sort of light-hearted-yet-exciting tone suffuses these novels, as Harry tracks down everything from rogue wizards to werewolves to vampires, ghosts and gluttonous fairies. He’s got a ready sense of humor and a disembodied spirit companion named Bob who typically inhabits either a skull or Harry’s cat. What’s not to love?
The best part of all is that there are 15 books out currently, with two more slated to hit shelves this year. Book 16, Peace Talks, lands on July 14, while Book 17, Battle Ground, comes out September 29. Two books in one year! It’s the sort of thing that could bring a George R.R. Martin fan to tears.