Best Urban Fantasy Books December 2024

A Dirty Job (Grim Reaper, #1)

Charlie Asher is a neurotic, slightly paranoid, but endearingly ordinary guy who owns a secondhand store in San Francisco. Life is pretty normal until the day his wife dies and he discovers he’s been recruited as a Death Merchant, responsible for collecting souls. As Charlie grapples with his new role, he stumbles through a series of bizarre and hilarious adventures, all while trying to protect his infant daughter. Moore’s quirky humor and vivid characters make this a delightful romp through the afterlife.

Horns

Ignatius “Ig” Perrish wakes up one morning with a raging hangover and a pair of horns sprouting from his temples. It’s not just the horns that are troubling; they seem to have a peculiar effect on people, compelling them to confess their darkest secrets and desires. As Ig grapples with this bizarre transformation, he embarks on a journey to uncover the truth behind the brutal murder of his beloved Merrin. In a tale that weaves horror with dark humor, Joe Hill crafts a gripping narrative about love, vengeance, and the monstrous nature lurking within us all.

The Radleys

In a quiet English village, the Radleys appear to be a typical family, but beneath their ordinary facade lies a secret: they are abstaining vampires. Parents Peter and Helen have kept their true nature hidden from their teenage children, Rowan and Clara, who struggle with their own mysterious urges. When an unexpected event forces them to confront their past, the Radleys must decide whether to embrace their true selves or continue living a lie. With humor and heart, Matt Haig explores the complexities of family, identity, and the choices that define us.

Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch

I found myself chuckling through every page of this delightfully irreverent tale. Pratchett’s wit shines as he reimagines the apocalypse with a bumbling angel and demon duo at the helm. The clever wordplay and absurd situations had me snorting with laughter, yet there’s a surprising depth to the story’s musings on good, evil, and human nature. A wickedly funny read that left me pondering big questions between giggles.

Twilight Series

Stephenie Meyer’s “Twilight” series plunges readers into a world where vampires and werewolves walk among us. At its heart is Bella Swan, an ordinary girl who falls for the mysterious Edward Cullen. Their forbidden romance ignites a passionate saga that had me turning pages late into the night. Meyer’s vivid storytelling brings Forks, Washington to life, making me feel the damp chill and smell the pine-scented air. It’s a thrilling blend of danger, desire, and the eternal struggle between light and darkness.

The Tower of Nero

Lester Papadopoulos, once the mighty Apollo, faces his final trial in this heart-pounding conclusion to Rick Riordan’s thrilling series. As I turned each page, I found myself holding my breath, caught up in the witty banter and nail-biting action. Riordan’s masterful blend of mythology and modern-day humor shines through, making me laugh and gasp in equal measure. It’s bittersweet to say goodbye to these beloved characters, but what a journey it’s been! A must-read for demigods and mortals alike.

The Tyrant’s Tomb

In “The Tyrant’s Tomb,” Rick Riordan plunges readers back into the world of demigods and ancient prophecies. Apollo, still trapped in his mortal teenage form, faces his most harrowing challenge yet. As he grapples with the loss of a dear friend, he must confront a terrifying Roman emperor risen from the dead. With his signature blend of humor and heart-pounding action, Riordan weaves a tale that had me on the edge of my seat, laughing one moment and holding my breath the next. It’s a rollercoaster ride I couldn’t put down.

The Burning Maze

Dive into the heart-pounding third installment of Rick Riordan’s Trials of Apollo series. As Lester Papadopoulos (aka the fallen god Apollo), I face my most dangerous challenge yet in the Labyrinth. With old friends and new allies, I must navigate treacherous mazes, battle fearsome monsters, and confront a ruthless Roman emperor. The stakes are higher than ever, and time is running out. Will I regain my godly powers, or is this the end of the line? Trust me, you won’t be able to put this one down.

The Dark Prophecy

In “The Dark Prophecy,” Rick Riordan weaves a thrilling tale that had me on the edge of my seat. Apollo’s mortal struggles continue as he faces new challenges and old enemies. I loved how Riordan blends humor with heart-pounding action, creating a story that’s both fun and deeply moving. The characters feel so real, I almost forgot I was reading fiction. It’s a perfect mix of mythology and modern-day adventure that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.

The Hidden Oracle

Dive into the world of fallen gods with Rick Riordan’s “The Hidden Oracle.” Once an all-powerful deity, Apollo now finds himself trapped in the body of a mortal teenager. Stripped of his godly powers and exiled from Olympus, he must navigate the treacherous landscape of modern-day New York City. With humor, heart, and a dash of mythology, Riordan weaves a tale that will captivate both longtime fans and newcomers alike. Join Apollo on his quest for redemption as he faces dangerous foes, forges unlikely alliances, and rediscovers what it truly means to be a hero.