In the realm of fantasy literature, wizards often fit a predictable mold: they are commonly depicted as brilliant, yet bumbling old men with remarkable cosmic abilities, buried in dusty tomes within their towering abodes. Alternatively, we encounter youthful Chosen Ones, such as Harry, whose stories seem endlessly ready for another cinematic rendering. In both cases, the archetype generally presents wizards as individuals brimming with theoretical knowledge but lacking in practical wisdom and life skills.
This enduring stereotype has roots in popular role-playing games like Dungeons & Dragons, where wizards have historically been portrayed as underpowered characters. However, the urban fantasy subgenre serves as a refreshing counterpoint, showcasing that true wizardly prowess lies not solely in magical artifacts or complex incantations but rather in the capacity to think and adapt on their feet.
5 The Iron Druid Chronicles (2011 – 2018)
By Kevin Hearne
The nine novels of The Iron Druid Chronicles follow the journey of Atticus O’Sullivan, who evolves from a reclusive shopkeeper to the pivotal figure capable of averting Ragnarok. Accompanied by his loyal Irish wolfhound, Oberon, Atticus confronts diverse adversaries, including vampires and vengeful deities. His experiences illustrate that street smarts are essential for navigating a perilous world of magic and conflict.
| Books in the Iron Druid Chronicles | |
| Title | Release Year |
| Hounded | 2011 |
| Hexed | 2011 |
| Hammered | 2011 |
| Tricked | 2012 |
| Trapped | 2012 |
| Hunted | 2013 |
| Shattered | 2014 |
| Staked | 2016 |
| Besieged (Short Story Anthology) | 2017 |
| Scourged | 2018 |
While Atticus is technically a druid—drawing his magical strength from nature itself, as evidenced by his deep connection to Gaia—his extensive knowledge of the arcane makes him an exceptional character. Notably, he is the first magic-user to discover a method for circumventing the limitations posed by iron, which lends the series its intriguing name.
4 World of Watches (1998 – 2014)
By Sergei Lukyanenko
Sergei Lukyanenko rose to prominence as one of Russia’s leading authors in the sci-fi and fantasy genres after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991. His 2004 film adaptation of Night Watch captivated Western audiences and sparked an interest in his literary works, subsequently resulting in English translations of the Watch series. This grimly imaginative saga delves into the lives of supernatural beings—referred to as Others—who dwell incognito among humans.
| Books in Sergei Lukyanenko’s World of Watches series | |
| Title | Release Year |
| Night Watch | 1998 |
| Day Watch | 2000 |
| Twilight Watch | 2004 |
| Final Watch | 2008 |
| New Watch | 2012 |
| Sixth Watch | 2014 |
The Watches operate as the enforcement branch of the Others, functioning similarly to an intricate mix of law enforcement agencies and social services. The narrative centers around Anton Gorodetsky, a Night Watch operative embroiled in the complex political landscape and conflicts between his agency and its antagonistic organizations.
3 InCryptid (2012 – Present)
By Seanan McGuire
Seanan McGuire’s InCryptid series chronicles the adventures of the Price-Healy family, a lineage of cryptozoologists dedicated to exploring and protecting the myriad supernatural entities that inhabit our world. They tirelessly defend these creatures against the militant Covenant of St. George, an organization notorious for its violent campaigns against any being not confined to the Ark.Inspired by her dissatisfaction with the depiction of female characters in media, McGuire sought to create a narrative enriched with complex and capable women.
Got someone in your life who still gets wild-eyed and spits "Jo and Ellen Harvelle deserved better" without provocation? Welcome to InCryptid, starting with DISCOUNT ARMAGEDDON. It’ll help to soothe the ache.— Seanan McGuire (@seananmcguire) November 28, 2020
The narrative primarily features the women of the Price-Healy family, notably the driven daughters Verity and Amity Price. With family members such as Amity, who wields magic alongside their grandfather Thomas, their existence constantly draws the ire of the Covenant, compelling them to remain vigilant and resourceful.
2 Shadowrun: The Kellan Colt Trilogy (2005 – 2006)
By Stephen Kenson
The world of Shadowrun, a beloved urban fantasy tabletop game that debuted in 1989, presents a unique amalgamation of cyberpunk dystopia and magic. The narrative disrupts conventional timelines around 2012 when apocalyptic events resurrect magical forces, and the current narrative unfolds in a vibrant mid-2080s setting with an abundance of technology and magical phenomena.
The Kellan Colt Trilogy, launched during the game’s fourth edition, seamlessly introduces readers to this captivating universe. Main character Kellan Colt, an ambitious shadowrunner, arrives in the independent city of Seattle with hopes of establishing her reputation and uncovering the fate of her missing mother. Throughout her journey, Kellan learns to wield magic under the guidance of the troll mage Lothan the Wise while acquiring the necessary skill set to navigate the ruthless challenges of her environment.
1 The Dresden Files (2000 – Present)
By Jim Butcher
In the realm of wizard protagonists, Harry Dresden is his own greatest critic. Characterized as socially awkward and unapologetically flawed—he’s a self-proclaimed chauvinist, only acknowledges the original Star Wars trilogy, and has a questionable history with property damage—Dresden nevertheless claims the distinction of being the only Wizard of the White Council in the central United States. Despite his reluctance, he finds himself tasked with important magical work to maintain his living situation.
The ongoing Dresden Files series currently features seventeen novels, two anthologies, and various uncollected short stories. Throughout his adventures, Harry has encountered a myriad of beings—from fallen angels to faerie queens and even iconic figures like Santa Claus and Bigfoot. With steadfast allies including Chicago P. D.lieutenant Karrin Murphy and Michael Carpenter, the Knight of the Cross, Harry continuously utilizes both his magical abilities and street smarts to adapt and survive against overwhelming odds.
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