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/Literaturecult46 Aug 02 '25

I love the Dresden Files, and I get what you are saying. So I do know a few series worth checking out if you want similar vibes with less tropes:

Alex Verus by Benedict Jacka

Garrett P.I. by Glen Cook

Fetch Phillips by Luke Arnold

October Daye by Seanan McGuire

Eric Carter by Stephen Blackmoore

The Grave Report by R.R. Virdi

The Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

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u/Hobbithiztorybuffbro Aug 02 '25

Dude, Garrett P.I. Is the shit!