Laurell K. Hamilton is a popular name in urban fantasy, particularly with her Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter, series and the Merry Gentry novels. Her books often have strong female characters, vampires, fae, and a great mix of action and romance.
For readers who want authors with a similar style of urban fantasy, strong heroines, and supernatural creatures, here are some authors you might enjoy.
Readers who enjoy Laurell K. Hamilton’s supernatural thrillers will likely appreciate Kim Harrison’s vivid paranormal world. Harrison is known for blending urban fantasy, mystery, and romance in her popular series, “The Hollows.”
The first book, “Dead Witch Walking,” introduces Rachel Morgan—a tough, resourceful witch who quits her job as a supernatural bounty hunter to start her own agency.
It’s a risky move that quickly lands Rachel in trouble with jealous colleagues, powerful vampires, and dark magic she’s determined to escape.
Harrison offers a fast-paced plot, filled with quirky characters, witty dialogue, and plenty of action in a fascinating alternate version of Cincinnati.
Patricia Briggs writes urban fantasy books full of supernatural beings and fast-paced action. Her novel “Moon Called” introduces Mercy Thompson, a mechanic who happens to shift into a coyote.
Mercy navigates a complicated world of werewolves, vampires, and fae with wit and courage. When a troubled young werewolf arrives at her garage needing help, Mercy becomes involved in a dangerous battle between rival supernatural groups.
Readers who enjoy Laurell K. Hamilton’s strong heroines and supernatural politics might appreciate Briggs’ blend of suspense, humor, and intriguing characters in “Moon Called.”
If you enjoy Laurell K. Hamilton’s mix of supernatural suspense and mystery, you’re probably going to appreciate Charlaine Harris. She expertly blends the paranormal with southern charm and intrigue in her series beginning with “Dead Until Dark.”
In this novel, waitress Sookie Stackhouse navigates a world where vampires have recently revealed themselves to society. Her telepathic abilities make dating humans complicated, so she finds herself drawn toward Bill Compton—a mysterious vampire new in town.
But when a string of murders points toward the undead community, Sookie’s quiet Louisiana town becomes a hotbed of suspicion and danger. Harris builds an atmosphere filled with rich characters, sharp humor, and plenty of twists.
If you liked Hamilton’s paranormal edge and strong female leads, this is definitely an author worth exploring.
Ilona Andrews is actually the pen name for a husband-and-wife writing duo, Ilona and Gordon. They craft tightly paced urban fantasy novels with punchy action and sharp wit.
Readers who enjoy Laurell K. Hamilton’s mix of supernatural intrigue, vivid characters, and carefully layered world-building might find “Magic Bites” a great place to start.
The novel introduces Kate Daniels, a capable mercenary in an Atlanta where waves of unpredictable magic alternate with modern technology.
Kate’s daily life balances tense alliances, involving vampire-controlling necromancers and shape-shifter clans, all while she hunts a mysterious killer who targets her personally.
Andrews grounds the supernatural firmly in everyday struggles, making the fantastic feel believable and immediate.
Jeaniene Frost crafts urban fantasy novels filled with action, romance, and dark supernatural lore. Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton may appreciate Frost’s “Halfway to the Grave,” the captivating opening to her Night Huntress series.
The story centers around Cat Crawfield, a half-vampire who hunts the undead as she struggles with her own identity. Things get complicated when she meets Bones, a vampire bounty hunter who challenges everything she believed about her enemies—and herself.
Their tense partnership evolves into a passionate chemistry, full of sharp wit and lethal threats hiding in every shadow. Frost’s supernatural world is vivid, exciting, and steeped in dark humor.
Kelley Armstrong writes vivid urban fantasy novels filled with strong characters, supernatural suspense, and intriguing plots. If you’re a fan of Laurell K. Hamilton’s dark and engaging stories, Armstrong offers a similar blend of mystery and supernatural thrills.
One of her most popular books, “Bitten,” follows Elena Michaels, the only female werewolf, as she’s pulled back into a dangerous world she’d tried to leave behind. The story is packed with action, complicated relationships, and a gripping mystery.
Armstrong balances fantasy with relatable human drama, creating a story that’s hard to put down.
If you enjoy Laurell K. Hamilton’s blend of dark fantasy, paranormal romance, and strong, captivating characters, Nalini Singh could be a great author to explore next.
Her novel “Slave to Sensation” introduces readers to a world where emotions are forbidden among the Psy, a race driven purely by logic and control. Sascha Duncan is one of them—but she secretly struggles with emotions she shouldn’t have.
When she meets Lucas Hunter, a passionate changeling who embraces his animal instincts, Sascha’s barriers begin to crumble.
Nalini Singh crafts a fascinating world of hidden desires, suspenseful plots, and intense romance, sure to captivate fans looking for their next paranormal reading adventure.
Readers who enjoy Laurell K. Hamilton might also appreciate Chloe Neill’s blend of supernatural action and sharp dialogue. Neill is known for crafting engaging urban fantasy novels with relatable, witty characters.
Her series opener, “Some Girls Bite,” introduces Merit, a grad student who becomes a reluctant vampire after a brutal attack.
Merit must adapt quickly to her new vampire life, navigate tricky vampire politics, and track down the perpetrator behind a series of violent crimes hitting Chicago.
Neill keeps the plot fast-paced and entertaining, combining mystery, humor, and supernatural drama into a satisfying read.
Carrie Vaughn creates urban fantasy stories that blend modern life with supernatural elements. Her novel “Kitty and the Midnight Hour” focuses on Kitty Norville, a radio DJ who also happens to be a werewolf.
Kitty hosts a late-night talk show, guiding listeners through supernatural encounters while juggling her secret identity. When calls from vampires, werewolves, and other strange creatures start flooding in, Kitty’s life grows complicated in ways she never expected.
For those who enjoy Laurell K. Hamilton’s exciting mix of fantasy and mystery, Carrie Vaughn’s work offers a relatable protagonist, a dash of humor, and supernatural intrigue.
Faith Hunter writes exciting urban fantasy novels featuring strong female characters and vivid supernatural worlds similar to those created by Laurell K. Hamilton.
Her book “Skinwalker” introduces Jane Yellowrock, a fearless Cherokee shape-shifter and professional vampire hunter. Jane travels to New Orleans to track down a rogue vampire that has left a string of victims behind.
Once there, she is drawn deeper into the city’s dark underbelly, where vampires and magic reign, and learns secrets about her own mysterious heritage.
Hunter creates a thrilling atmosphere, memorable characters, and action-packed sequences, sure to captivate fans of supernatural adventures and characters who battle their own inner darkness.
Books by Sherrilyn Kenyon often blend fantasy, romance, and dark supernatural elements. Readers who appreciate Laurell K. Hamilton’s Anita Blake series may enjoy Kenyon’s “Night Pleasures.”
In this book, Amanda Devereaux has tried to escape her unusual family and live an ordinary life. But her normal world is turned upside down when she is mistaken for her twin sister and taken captive alongside Kyrian, an immortal Dark-Hunter.
Together they face dangerous enemies, powerful attraction, and mysterious supernatural forces that threaten the entire human world. The story unfolds with sharp humor, strong characters, and suspenseful adventures in a fantasy-rich urban setting.
Readers who enjoy Laurell K. Hamilton’s blend of supernatural elements, complex relationships, and dark storytelling may find Anne Bishop intriguing.
Bishop’s series “The Others” starts with “Written in Red,” a novel set in a world where supernatural beings called terra indigene rule, and humans live at their mercy.
Meg Corbyn, a young woman who can see the future through cutting her skin, escapes captivity and seeks refuge in a community led by Simon Wolfgard, a powerful wolf-shifter.
As Meg struggles to navigate this dangerous new environment, tension between humans and supernatural creatures rises, leading to alliances, danger, and revelations about herself.
Bishop combines unique magic with dark fantasy to create a memorable and intense world similar in tone to Hamilton’s works.
Books by Gail Carriger offer an entertaining blend of supernatural intrigue, witty banter, and lively historical settings. Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton’s imaginative approach to vampires, shapeshifters, and mystery might especially enjoy Carriger’s “Soulless.”
The story introduces Alexia Tarabotti, a bold and witty heroine born without a soul in Victorian London. Alexia navigates a world full of supernatural creatures and elaborate social rules.
When bizarre vampire attacks disturb London’s high society, Alexia teams up with a gruff yet charismatic werewolf named Lord Maccon. Together, they uncover a plot that threatens human and supernatural communities alike.
Carriger’s clever dialogue, quirky characters, and engaging plot twists make “Soulless” a fun read for anyone who enjoys humor, mystery, and the supernatural.
J.R. Ward is an author known for creating intense, darkly romantic urban fantasy and paranormal adventure stories. Fans of Laurell K. Hamilton’s blend of supernatural suspense and romance often enjoy Ward’s engaging characters and vivid storytelling.
Her novel “Dark Lover” kicks off the popular “Black Dagger Brotherhood” series. It introduces readers to Wrath, a vampire leader determined to protect his people from their relentless enemies, the Lessening Society.
When Wrath meets Beth, a journalist unaware of her own unique heritage, their connection awakens a deeper struggle filled with danger, passion, and compelling vampire politics. J.R. Ward creates an immersive world that keeps readers hooked book after book.
Books by Darynda Jones combine mystery, humor, and the supernatural in stories that keep you hooked from start to finish. In “First Grave on the Right,” Jones introduces Charley Davidson, a private investigator who is also the Grim Reaper.
Charley solves crimes and guides souls to the afterlife—but dealing with the dead can get pretty complicated. With dark twists, witty dialogue, and vivid characters, this book is great for fans of Laurell K. Hamilton’s supernatural storytelling and strong female protagonists.