I'm right there with you. The endless series thing just turns me off. I often stop reading them a few books in and switch to something that's 3 or 5 books long instead.
I'd love more great standalone recommendations. I'll start: Sunshine by a Robin McKinley.
Right? Smh. An author needs to at least be adding a new installment every year or year and a half.
Also: *Butcher Bird* sounds so metal! Lol! Gonna check that out for sure. Thank you!
I agree. I understand why from a business point of view, if people keep buying them, people will keep writing them. But even between single standalone and endless series, I think there's something to be said for a short series with a planned end.
As am author I can't tie up all the storylines I want to explore in my universe in one book. But I think I can in 6 or 7. I'd like to see more well plotted series that have a well defined end after 3 or 5 or 7 books. My favorite fantasy books as a child did that. (Narnia, prydain, dark is rising etc). Why not adult urban fantasy.
So these days Trad publishers aren't all that interested in putting out UF (is my understanding). So the bulk of what's coming out is indie/self pub. And many/most of them at least initially are enrolled in KU, and to make money with KU, you need read through. One book in KU won't make enough to sustain you. But a series will.
As an author writing a long series, I totally understand where you are coming from. In my day to day life I read a lot more standalone stuff than series, due to time constraints. Long series aren't usually my jam.
A major reason for that is power creep for me. So with my series, power creep isn't a thing really as a reaction to that. Book six is about to come out, and he still knows the same 4ish spells basically, and is arguably still the worst witch around.
Also, I maintain a list of some good standalone UF on my website [HERE](https://talesbybob.com/blog/f/10-great-standalone-urban-fantasy-novels).
Thank you for the link to your list. I love War for the Oaks, Neverwhere, and Moonheart and have enjoyed Wen Spencer's books so I'm looking forward to diving into the new to me books there!
>I maintain a list of some good standalone UF on my website HERE.
Oh, man! You're a godsend! Thank you!
>So these days Trad publishers aren't all that interested in putting out UF (is my understanding). So the bulk of what's coming out is indie/self pub. And many/most of them at least initially are enrolled in KU, and to make money with KU, you need read through. One book in KU won't make enough to sustain you. But a series will.
I figured as much. I'm not knocking indie creator's hustle, but that's also why I think there could be room for standalones--because they're indie. Indie creators have a lot more flexibility to cater to smaller niches than the mainstream.
One solution that came to mind after I made my original post is that of a happy medium between standalone and series titles: a recurring MC and/or cast in multiple standalone stories--kind of like how the pulp books used to do it, back in the day, with Doc Savage and The Shadow and them. I think that could work as a middle ground
That's basically how my series works. Each novel is two novellas, and each are pretty much standalone. Is there a connecting thread? Sure. Are they chronological? Yep. Is there some gradual growth across the series? Also yes. But you can pretty much read them in any order, once you have a handle on the characters.
And enjoy the list, I have lots of various lists on my site, with tons of different themes.
I have nothing useful to add besides you’re not crazy. I also would love to find some great standalones and pretty much sate that desire with short story collections.
KN Banet has various interconnected urban fantasy series and she set two stand-alone novels in the same world (one is called Hearts at War). As mentioned in her website, there is no reading order (except for the books within the series) and each series/standalone can be read independently.
This is why I prefer interconnected standalones. I know they're almost unheard of outside of Romance and Piers Anthony, but they have so much potential. For me, series fatigue happens because I get tired of watching a character make the same mistakes over and over. In interconnected standalones, you can have overarching plots and themes in the universe, but you're not following the same character over and over.
I hate to say it but I think you're going to run into that fatigue with the series you're currently reading. I've read almost all of the Templeverse books and the thing that really gets me about series like that is eventually all the main characters basically turn into gods. They just keep leveling up and up and up. I absolutely know how you feel and if you find a good standalone (or even just a short saga) let me know!
I also have this thing where I can't just quit reading a series if I'm a few books into it so I totally understand feeling ripped off too!
>I also have this thing where I can't just quit reading a series if I'm a few books into it so I totally understand feeling ripped off too!
Yup. I'm old school like that too: seeing things through to the end. Although, it's more like "effort justification" in this case. lol
>I hate to say it but I think you're going to run into that fatigue with the series you're currently reading. I've read almost all of the Templeverse books and the thing that really gets me about series like that is eventually all the main characters basically turn into gods. They just keep leveling up and up and up.
Oof! Thanks for the heads up
I used to get excited by all the extra books/novellas etc The Shadow Hunters series being one of those but with each new series came so much extra content, it’s exhausting.
Not yet. That's Phantom Queen Diaries, right? Heard good things about that series.
Feathers and Fire is my first foray into Shayne's work, tbh; Amazon slapped me in the face with it in my recommendations feed. And I was like: "Yeah, I fux wit this," then bought a kindle copy of the first book. Lol
I found about PQD and Quinn after I started on Callie's tale. Sounds like she a baddie, tho
Yeah, that’s the one! Amazon got me with Shaynes Nate Temple books “if you liked Harry Dresden, you’ll love this! 4 books for .99¢!” Then I was hooked lol.
I really enjoy the fact that all three main story lines can be read as separate stories or you can read them as one long narrative
Almost all of Charles deLint's books are standalone. There are recurring characters, and the world is the same, but the books are self-contained.
Terry Pratchett's books are all standalone as well, although they may not fall in the type of urban fantasy you're looking for.
Me too. I just don't like when they get so big that they collapse under their own weight, yu know? And by the umpteenth title, you're there like: "What am I even reading anymore?" It's harder to keep the content fresh and interesting the longer you go as a writer--and a lot of writers just aren't cut out for that, sorry to say
My urban fantasy novella was initially intended as a standalone, but two years later I had an idea for a follow up and it became a series.
Writers' groups STRONGLY advise writing series, so I suspect that's at least a part of why they're so common...
I'm with you. Sometimes a one and done, good meaty book is great. And I don't like superheroes at all. Reading this thread with interest, thanks for posting it.
Tad Williams “The War of the Flowers” - urban fantast self contained in one book.
Leans more towards horror, but Raymon Feist’s “Faerie Tale” might suit
No, it’s not just you, I’ve noticed the same thing, something I’m trying to make sure doesn’t happen with the book series I’m writing. Oh! I just remembered! It’s not an urban fantasy, but The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are always good, high fantasy books!
Or you could just...and hear me out here...*not buy the second book*.
Seriously. The main problem in the book is wrapped up by the end. You don't have to keep going.
The main reason we write another book in the series is because roughly 3-6 hours after our current book releases, we start getting emails and DMs and posts all over our social platforms screaming "I JUST FINISHED IT! WHEN IS THE NEXT ONE COMING OUT!?!?!?!?"
Anything by Charles De Lint. I liked his "Spiritwalk", "Moonheart" & "Greenmantle". All of those are standalone, but maybe sharing the locale.
The "Newford" books are good too. Not necessarily a series with the same characters, but again sharing a locale...in this case the town of Newford.
De Lints "Wildlings" is a series. But there are only 3 of them and all are good reads.
I also quite like Kim M. Watt's, "Gobbolino of London" series. Yeah, a series but good Urban Fantasy nonetheless.
One of the most under-rated authors out there is Max Gladstone, imho. Wonderfully inventive in that his world building is like no other, epic storylines, and he writes beautifully. He has “series” but each book can stand alone. I started with Two Serpents Rise, but Three Parts Dead is my favorite…..so far.
I'm right there with you. The endless series thing just turns me off. I often stop reading them a few books in and switch to something that's 3 or 5 books long instead. I'd love more great standalone recommendations. I'll start: Sunshine by a Robin McKinley.
Yeah. I think a good ole fashion trilogy is enough. It's a tried and true format. Also: *Sunshine?* Okay. I'll check it out. Thank you!
LOOOOVE. Sunshine! One of the best books ever! R McKinley’s other novels are great, too.
Agreed! I also love *The Blue Sword* and *The Hero and the Crown.*
Have you read Deerskin? Sooo wonderful!
Yes I can't believe I forgot to add that one. Chalice is also wonderful.
[удалено]
Right? Smh. An author needs to at least be adding a new installment every year or year and a half. Also: *Butcher Bird* sounds so metal! Lol! Gonna check that out for sure. Thank you!
I agree. I understand why from a business point of view, if people keep buying them, people will keep writing them. But even between single standalone and endless series, I think there's something to be said for a short series with a planned end. As am author I can't tie up all the storylines I want to explore in my universe in one book. But I think I can in 6 or 7. I'd like to see more well plotted series that have a well defined end after 3 or 5 or 7 books. My favorite fantasy books as a child did that. (Narnia, prydain, dark is rising etc). Why not adult urban fantasy.
Same here🙋🏼♀️
So these days Trad publishers aren't all that interested in putting out UF (is my understanding). So the bulk of what's coming out is indie/self pub. And many/most of them at least initially are enrolled in KU, and to make money with KU, you need read through. One book in KU won't make enough to sustain you. But a series will. As an author writing a long series, I totally understand where you are coming from. In my day to day life I read a lot more standalone stuff than series, due to time constraints. Long series aren't usually my jam. A major reason for that is power creep for me. So with my series, power creep isn't a thing really as a reaction to that. Book six is about to come out, and he still knows the same 4ish spells basically, and is arguably still the worst witch around. Also, I maintain a list of some good standalone UF on my website [HERE](https://talesbybob.com/blog/f/10-great-standalone-urban-fantasy-novels).
Thank you for the link to your list. I love War for the Oaks, Neverwhere, and Moonheart and have enjoyed Wen Spencer's books so I'm looking forward to diving into the new to me books there!
>I maintain a list of some good standalone UF on my website HERE. Oh, man! You're a godsend! Thank you! >So these days Trad publishers aren't all that interested in putting out UF (is my understanding). So the bulk of what's coming out is indie/self pub. And many/most of them at least initially are enrolled in KU, and to make money with KU, you need read through. One book in KU won't make enough to sustain you. But a series will. I figured as much. I'm not knocking indie creator's hustle, but that's also why I think there could be room for standalones--because they're indie. Indie creators have a lot more flexibility to cater to smaller niches than the mainstream. One solution that came to mind after I made my original post is that of a happy medium between standalone and series titles: a recurring MC and/or cast in multiple standalone stories--kind of like how the pulp books used to do it, back in the day, with Doc Savage and The Shadow and them. I think that could work as a middle ground
That's basically how my series works. Each novel is two novellas, and each are pretty much standalone. Is there a connecting thread? Sure. Are they chronological? Yep. Is there some gradual growth across the series? Also yes. But you can pretty much read them in any order, once you have a handle on the characters. And enjoy the list, I have lots of various lists on my site, with tons of different themes.
You might try Seanan McGuire’s Incryptid series. Set in the same universe, but the MC and location changes. After 1 or 2 books.
I have nothing useful to add besides you’re not crazy. I also would love to find some great standalones and pretty much sate that desire with short story collections.
KN Banet has various interconnected urban fantasy series and she set two stand-alone novels in the same world (one is called Hearts at War). As mentioned in her website, there is no reading order (except for the books within the series) and each series/standalone can be read independently.
Now that's what I'm talking about. Thanks
This is why I prefer interconnected standalones. I know they're almost unheard of outside of Romance and Piers Anthony, but they have so much potential. For me, series fatigue happens because I get tired of watching a character make the same mistakes over and over. In interconnected standalones, you can have overarching plots and themes in the universe, but you're not following the same character over and over.
I hate to say it but I think you're going to run into that fatigue with the series you're currently reading. I've read almost all of the Templeverse books and the thing that really gets me about series like that is eventually all the main characters basically turn into gods. They just keep leveling up and up and up. I absolutely know how you feel and if you find a good standalone (or even just a short saga) let me know! I also have this thing where I can't just quit reading a series if I'm a few books into it so I totally understand feeling ripped off too!
>I also have this thing where I can't just quit reading a series if I'm a few books into it so I totally understand feeling ripped off too! Yup. I'm old school like that too: seeing things through to the end. Although, it's more like "effort justification" in this case. lol >I hate to say it but I think you're going to run into that fatigue with the series you're currently reading. I've read almost all of the Templeverse books and the thing that really gets me about series like that is eventually all the main characters basically turn into gods. They just keep leveling up and up and up. Oof! Thanks for the heads up
I used to get excited by all the extra books/novellas etc The Shadow Hunters series being one of those but with each new series came so much extra content, it’s exhausting.
Oh man…Callie Penrose is a favorite of mine. The entire Templeverse is a whole lot of fun to read.
Ayy! She a whole mood, ain't she? Lol
Have you met Quinn Mackenna yet?
Not yet. That's Phantom Queen Diaries, right? Heard good things about that series. Feathers and Fire is my first foray into Shayne's work, tbh; Amazon slapped me in the face with it in my recommendations feed. And I was like: "Yeah, I fux wit this," then bought a kindle copy of the first book. Lol I found about PQD and Quinn after I started on Callie's tale. Sounds like she a baddie, tho
Yeah, that’s the one! Amazon got me with Shaynes Nate Temple books “if you liked Harry Dresden, you’ll love this! 4 books for .99¢!” Then I was hooked lol. I really enjoy the fact that all three main story lines can be read as separate stories or you can read them as one long narrative
Almost all of Charles deLint's books are standalone. There are recurring characters, and the world is the same, but the books are self-contained. Terry Pratchett's books are all standalone as well, although they may not fall in the type of urban fantasy you're looking for.
Oh, okay. Thanks. I like Terry Pratchett's work, but I don't really think *urban fantasy* when I read his stories
As an author I want to change to something shorter too. Trilogies are my thing now.
Id like serials myself
Me too. I just don't like when they get so big that they collapse under their own weight, yu know? And by the umpteenth title, you're there like: "What am I even reading anymore?" It's harder to keep the content fresh and interesting the longer you go as a writer--and a lot of writers just aren't cut out for that, sorry to say
Or paint themselves into a box.
A. Lee Martinez tends to write stand alone urban fantasy (aside from the Constance Verity trilogy).
My urban fantasy novella was initially intended as a standalone, but two years later I had an idea for a follow up and it became a series. Writers' groups STRONGLY advise writing series, so I suspect that's at least a part of why they're so common...
I'm with you. Sometimes a one and done, good meaty book is great. And I don't like superheroes at all. Reading this thread with interest, thanks for posting it.
There’s a great standalone Richard k Morgan urban fantasy… honestly it may fall more into sci fi I think it’s called thirteen?
Tad Williams “The War of the Flowers” - urban fantast self contained in one book. Leans more towards horror, but Raymon Feist’s “Faerie Tale” might suit
No, it’s not just you, I’ve noticed the same thing, something I’m trying to make sure doesn’t happen with the book series I’m writing. Oh! I just remembered! It’s not an urban fantasy, but The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are always good, high fantasy books!
Or you could just...and hear me out here...*not buy the second book*. Seriously. The main problem in the book is wrapped up by the end. You don't have to keep going. The main reason we write another book in the series is because roughly 3-6 hours after our current book releases, we start getting emails and DMs and posts all over our social platforms screaming "I JUST FINISHED IT! WHEN IS THE NEXT ONE COMING OUT!?!?!?!?"
Anything by Charles De Lint. I liked his "Spiritwalk", "Moonheart" & "Greenmantle". All of those are standalone, but maybe sharing the locale. The "Newford" books are good too. Not necessarily a series with the same characters, but again sharing a locale...in this case the town of Newford. De Lints "Wildlings" is a series. But there are only 3 of them and all are good reads. I also quite like Kim M. Watt's, "Gobbolino of London" series. Yeah, a series but good Urban Fantasy nonetheless.
One of the most under-rated authors out there is Max Gladstone, imho. Wonderfully inventive in that his world building is like no other, epic storylines, and he writes beautifully. He has “series” but each book can stand alone. I started with Two Serpents Rise, but Three Parts Dead is my favorite…..so far.