Paranormal is the genre that mixes the supernatural with romance, adventure, mystery, and history.  Probably the best example of it is Charlaine Harris’ Sookie Stackhouse series that was the inspiration for the HBO hit, “True Blood.”  Ms. Harris has moved on to a new series, “Midnight, Texas,” but still with a supernatural vibe to it. 

          

Luckily, fans of the genre have a number of new authors busy producing new stories starring werewolves, Druids, vampires, and warlocks.  Patricia Briggs has been gaining new fans with every volume of her series starring Mercy Thompson.  The latest title, “Fire-Touched,” was released last month; it is the ninth book in the series.  Mercy is a mechanic with unusual talents, she can shapeshift into the form of a coyote.  This ability has propelled her into a series of adventures.  Married to a werewolf, and a member of his pack, some of Mercy’s previous encounters have resulted in powerful enemies.

           

In this latest book, Mercy makes a decision regarding her territory that puts her in conflict with her husband, his pack, and a lot of friends and foes.  But for Mercy, the safety of the children of her world is more important than even family.  This is a series that is best read in order if you are to make any sense of some of the characters and the relationships.  The books in order are:  “Moon-Called,” “Blood Bound,” “Iron Kissed,” “Bone Crossed,” “Silver Borne, “River Marked,” “Frost Burned,” “Night Broken,” and “Fire Touched.”

           

Another series that is finding readers over the course of seven books is the “Alex Verus” novels by Benedict Jacka.  The seventh book was released in April titled “Burned.”  Alex Verus is a mage who runs a magic store in London.  In his past, he learned magic from a dark master, and barely escaped with his life.  Since then he has been very careful with whom he associates as well as whom he works for, and throughout the series, he has gained friends and allies as well as enemies.  Now in this latest book, his former master’s evil is putting everything Alex has built and the friends he loves in danger.  Under a suspended sentence of death from the ruling council, Alex must call on all his skills to stay alive and not harm those he loves. 

           

The books in order are:  “Fated,” “Cursed,” “Taken,” “Chosen,” “Hidden,” “Veiled,” and “Burned.”

           

Kevin Hearne’s latest book, “Staked,” is number eight in the “Iron Druid” series.  Its hero, Atticus, is a two thousand year old Druid who wants to lead a peaceful life, but old scores just keep interfering.  And every time he tries to make things right, he just gets in more trouble.  So far he has had to fight off the Fae, the Norse Gods, witches, vampires, etc., all accompanied by his very special dog, a new student, and now, an ancient master.  Hearne’s books are packed with action and humor.  They are a lot of fun to read. 

           

The books in the Iron Druid series are:  “Hounded,” “Hexed,” “Hammered,” “Tricked,” “Trapped,” “Hunted,” “Shattered,” and “Staked.”