7 fantasy book series that would make terrific TV shows

6. The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher

This would be the second attempt to adapt this series for TV. The first happened 17 years ago, when there were only six books to work with. Now there are 17 books with a fleshed-out storyline and well-developed characters. When a TV series was first attempted, the producers' hearts were probably in the right place but the timing wasn't quite right.

The world is now ready for Harry Dresden. Think of a cross between Bosch and Harry Potter on steroids, and you'll know vaguely what to expect, although even that description doesn't do these books or their main character justice.

The series revolves around a modern-day, irreverent, funny wizard detective who lives in Chicago, fighting evil magical creatures and his own fellow wizards from time to time. Dresden is a brilliantly written, lovable curmudgeon of a wizard with a heart of gold. For adults who grew up with Harry Potter, he is a really appealing character. Lord Voldemort seems like schoolyard bully compared to some of the villains Dresden has to face.

Although there are so many books in this series, and each is an individual entity, the underlying stories tend to work over three-to-four-book arcs. It's possible to tell Dresden's whole story over maybe six seasons of TV, with multiple books being covered in 10-season episodes.

Maybe no other fantasy character is more suited for television than Harry Dresden.

Finally, one for the kids: