And here we go with part two of my #IndieAugust favourites! Last time I talked about epic fantasy, and now it’s urban fantasy’s turn.
Because honestly, who doesn’t enjoy a bit of hidden magic peeking out between coffee shops, office jobs, and late night bus rides? Urban fantasy is where the ordinary meets the impossible, and that mix is half the fun.
Same rules as before: this is not a “best of” list, just a collection of my personal favourites. There are still tons of amazing books out there I haven’t read yet, and plenty of popular ones that just aren’t for me.
I’ve added tags for things like LGBTQIA, neurodivergent, women authors, or POC authors if you’re looking to diversify your shelves.
Please let me know if you spot any wrong tags, this is quite the list I am compiling from my goodreads shelves!)
This is part of a bigger series, so more genres will follow soon , but for now, let’s dive into the city streets, hidden magic, and supernatural mayhem of urban fantasy!
#UrbanFantasy
Hell for Hire (Tear Down Heaven #1) by Rachel Aaron
#WomenInSFF

A fast-paced start with plenty of action and Aaron’s trademark humor. The mix of demons, mercenary jobs, and reluctant hero vibes made it a fun ride. It didn’t reach the same highs as her DFZ or Heartstrikers books, but still very entertaining.
By a Silver Thread (DFZ Changeling #1) by Rachel Aaron
#WomenInSFF

A grittier fae tale set in the wild chaos of the DFZ. The main character is caught between two worlds, human and fae, and that tension runs through every choice she makes. The city itself feels alive, throwing danger and opportunity at her in equal measure. It’s a sharp, twisty story about survival, bargains, and finding your place when you don’t fully belong anywhere.
Nice Dragons Finish Last (Heartstrikers, #1) by Rachel Aaron
#WomenInSFF

So much fun! Julius is a refreshing change from the usual arrogant dragon protagonist—sweet, awkward, and easy to root for. The balance of urban fantasy action and character-driven humor worked perfectly. A fantastic start to a series that makes me want more right away.
Clean Sweep (Innkeeper Chronicles, #1) by Ilona Andrews
#WomenInSFF

A light and funny twist on urban fantasy, with a magical inn at the center of everything. Dina makes a charming narrator. Capable but quietly snarky and the inn itself is as much a character as the people. The mix of vampires, werewolves, and otherworldly guests gave it a playful, almost sci-fi edge. A cozy and clever start that left me curious.
Paternus (Paternus, #1) by Dyrk Ashton

A mythology-packed story where gods and legends from around the world collide in the modern day. The scope is huge, sometimes almost overwhelming, but it’s also what makes the book stand out. I liked the energy of the battles and the mix of mythological figures stepping into the present. A dense but rewarding read if you enjoy your fantasy big and bold.
Small Miracles by Olivia Atwater
#Cosy #WomenInSFF

A sweet and gentle story about an angel handing out small miracles that don’t always land as expected. It’s funny in a quiet way and has a lot of heart. I liked how it focused on everyday people and the little changes that can ripple through their lives. Light, warm, and very uplifting. Also a lot of fun with plenty of chocolate!
Warlock at Law (Threshold Covenant, #1) by R.L. Baranowski
Review here

A fun mix of legal drama and urban fantasy, where spells and contracts are just as binding as laws. The main character is a sharp-tongued lawyer who has to juggle court cases with supernatural trouble. I enjoyed how the story played with the overlap of bureaucracy and magic without losing the fast pace. It’s witty, unusual, and sets up a world I want to see more of.
Death Rites (The Lazarus Codex, #1) by E.A. Copen

A solid urban fantasy with a necromancer PI at the center. Lazarus has a dry, sardonic voice that works well for the mix of detective work and magic gone wrong. The plot kept moving with plenty of danger and supernatural twists. It felt like a good series starter with room to grow.
Stolen Magic (Shadows of the Immortals, #1) by Marina Finlayson
#WomenInSFF

Fast paced and very readable, with a heroine who gets thrown into one supernatural mess after another. I liked the mix of mythological elements and modern city life. The stakes kept rising in a way that made it hard to put down. A fun beginning that promises plenty more chaos to come.
Dead Man Walking (Nick Holleran, #1) by David Green

A fast and engaging start with a noir detective feel. Nick is a down on his luck PI who just happens to work the supernatural side of town. I liked the mix of classic hardboiled style with ghosts and demons lurking in the shadows. It has grit, humor, and a strong hook for the series and Nick grows so much over the series.
The Hallows by H.L.Tinsley
#WomenInSFF
Review here

Set in a 1920s-inspired city full of danger and corruption, with a strong supernatural undercurrent. The atmosphere is thick and moody, pulling me right into the streets and smoky backrooms. The characters are sharp and the tension never really lets go. Dark, stylish, and very memorable Add in weird and fun parts and you have a fantastic entertainment.
Strange Magic (Yancy Lazarus, #1) by James A. Hunter

A road trip style urban fantasy with a grumpy, chain smoking mage at the wheel. Yancy’s voice is full of snark but also heart, and that makes the story fun to follow. The magic is messy, the fights are explosive, and there’s always another shady deal around the corner. A lively, rough edged start that works well.
Fixer (Jack Bloodfist #1) by James Jakins

A fast paced story about an orc who just wants to live a normal life but keeps getting dragged back into trouble. Jack is a likable lead who balances family loyalty with the chaos of the supernatural. I liked the mix of humor, action, and heart that ran through the book. It’s urban fantasy with a bit of charm tucked inside the brawls.
The Guardian of the Palace (Guardian League, #1) by Steven J. Morris
Review here

A superhero style urban fantasy where guardians protect the world from hidden threats. The action is fast and cinematic, with plenty of battles and big powers on display. I liked the way the story combined secret organizations with everyday life slipping into danger. It’s straightforward, energetic, and a good setup for a larger series.
The Inside Story of the British Bureau for the Arcane: the Dark Elf Dynasty File by Phil Parker
Full review here

A quirky and imaginative take on magical investigations in Britain. The setup feels like a mix of case files and secret history, with plenty of twists and strange happenings. I liked the dry humor and the sense that magic lurks just beneath the surface of the ordinary. It’s clever, playful, and a fun spin on the genre, but mixed with dark and gritty moments.
The Soul Trade (Judas Investigations #1) by Edward Rose

A gritty urban fantasy that follows a PI caught up in dark supernatural dealings. The tone is noirish, with plenty of shadows, betrayal, and uneasy alliances. The magic adds a dangerous edge to the detective work, making every case feel like it could go badly wrong. A solid read if you like your urban fantasy on the darker side.
imPerfect Magic (The imPerfect Cathar, #1) by C.N. Rowan

A sharp and entertaining urban fantasy with a flawed but likable main character. The magic system is well thought out and adds tension to every fight. At times it’s over the top funny with groan worthy quips, but that just adds to the fun. Best of all, there’s no male gaze or misogyny here, which makes it a refreshing and easy read.
Warlock for Hire (Arcane Inc. #1) by Sean Stone

A fast moving adventure about a warlock trying to make a living by taking odd magical jobs. The cases are varied and often messy, which keeps things interesting. The tone is light but with enough grit to give the world some weight. It’s a fun, straightforward series opener with plenty of potential.
Under Ordshaw (Ordshaw #1) by Phil Williams

An urban fantasy set in a city full of secrets, where tunnels under the streets hide something dangerous. The main character is independent and tough, and I liked following her as she stumbled deeper into the mystery. The tone is tense but also grounded in everyday life, which makes the strange events hit harder. A strong start that hints at a lot more to come.
Dyer Street Punk Witches by Phil Williams
Review here

A wild ride with found family vibes, centering on a group of punk witches who don’t quite play by the rules. The mix of music, magic, and attitude makes it stand out from more traditional urban fantasy. It has energy, humor, and some surprisingly heartfelt moments. Bold, different, and very enjoyable.

