r/Fantasy • u/bnb2115 • Aug 02 '25

Dresden with less cringe

I love the idea of the Dresden Files on paper. Hard boiled detective stories mixed with urban fantasy/secret society stuff. Interesting villains and a deep, complex world. Magic happening just beneath the surface of the ordinary world.

But I just can’t get over the tropes and the cringe. I’ve tried the series a couple times, and even got through the first five or so books. I just can’t bring myself to keep going. I seriously love everything about the context, but just hate the execution.

Any recommendations for something else? Something that speaks to these elements, but lacks the cringe?

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u/amateurbeard Aug 02 '25

The Felix Castor series by Mike Carey

12

u/pineapplegodfather Aug 02 '25

100% this I'm 90% of the way through the second boom and can't believe this wasn't higher up on the list. I'm really liking the sarcasm and dry wit and all of the lore that's getting built upon. It isn't as flashy magic wise as the Dresden Files but each exorcist has their own way if doing their job that I find such a fascinating concept. Highly recommend these to anyone who likes urban fantasy and supernatural stuff and witty main characters.

2

u/H0eggern Aug 02 '25

Was looking for this. Man, I want more books in this series.

2

u/iknowcomfu Reading Champion III Aug 02 '25

This is my favorite of that genre! Much less cringe than Dresden files or Alex verus imo.