Epic Fantasy. In this stand-alone novel by Joe Abercrombie (set in the world of his First Law trilogy), the Grand Duke Orso of Styria hires a band of thugs to dispatch his rivals, the mercenary brother-and-sister team Monza and Benna Murcatto. But the Duke doesn't count on Monza surviving the attack--and seeking revenge. If you like your fantasy epics dark and violent, you'll enjoy this book--although newcomers to Abercrombie's work should start with The Blade Itself and Before They Are Hanged. Fans of detailed world-building and fierce combat may also enjoy George R.R. Martin's multi-volume saga, A Song of Fire and Ice.

Urban Fantasy. In this sequel to Thirteen Orphans, college student Brenda Morris, who is also a member of the Chinese Zodiac (representing the Rat), faces her toughest challenge yet. One of the descendants of "The Thirteen Orphans," exiles who crossed over to this world from the magical Lands of Smoke and Sacrifice, Brenda must help rebuild the Nine Gates that keep the worlds connected and in balance. But can she and the other members of the Zodiac overcome their differences (including romantic rivalries) and work together? If you're a manga fan who enjoys coming-of-age stories, the Fruits Basket series by Natsuki Takaya also features characters who represent the symbols of the Chinese Zodiac.

Mystery Fantasy. Just as Seattle-based paranormal private eye Harper Blaine is finally starting to come to terms with her present reality as a "Greywalker," a living person who can travel between this world and the next, her past intrudes. First, she gets a call from an old boyfriend--who's been dead for years. Then, she learns some surprising new information about her father's death. This 4th installment of Kat Richardson's Greywalker series is a fast-paced, suspenseful story with an atmospheric Pacific Northwest setting. However, since it deals with Harper's history, you'll want to have first read its predecessors, Greywalker, Poltergeist, and Underground.

Urban Fantasy. Meet Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden, a Chicago-based private investigator who also happens to be the only person listed under "Wizards" in the phone book. A frequent consultant for the police on paranormal crimes, Harry is called in to investigate when two mutilated corpses are discovered in a hotel room. Someone is using magic to commit murder--and it's up to Harry to find the killer. Storm Front is the first book in the Dresden Files series. If you're wild about Harry, the 12-volume series continues with Fool Moon. There is also a television series based on the books, although certain details differ.

Urban Fantasy. Ever since he accidentally caused a close friend to be possessed by a demon, business has been bad for freelance exorcist Felix "Fix" Castor--so bad that he's been reduced to making ends meet by performing magic at birthday parties. But when a sudden surge in supernatural activity brings a new case his way, Fix has to deal with a violent ghost who won't rest in peace, threats from a pushy pimp and his werewolf henchman, and a succubus who's been summoned from hell to kill him. This debut novel by comic book writer Mike Carey, who's written for the Lucifer and Hellblazer series, is followed by Vicious Circle.

Dark Fantasy. The city of Tristopolis relies upon a unique source of renewable energy: corpses. By harnessing "necroflux" energy from the bones of the dead, the City Energy Authority keeps things running smoothly. But even in Tristopolis, murder is a big deal and when prominent artists start dying under mysterious circumstances, Police Lieutenant Donal Riordan and his undead boss Laura Steele must get to the bottom of the killings while confronting criminal conspiracies and their complicated feelings for each other. Detailed world-building and complex characters distinguish this fantasy debut from science fiction writer John Meaney. If you enjoy Bone Song, keep an eye out for its sequel, Black Blood.

Dark Fantasy. Anne Rice meets Silence of the Lambs in this series opener by Adrian Phoenix. After a three-year manhunt, FBI Special Agent Heather Wallace is finally closing in on the sadistic Cross Country Killer, or CCK. Her search takes her down to New Orleans and into the depths of Club Hell, where she meets sexy Cajun vampire Dante Prejean, the charismatic lead singer of the popular goth rock band the Inferno. Dante may be deadly and immortal, but he's also had his memories erased, making him easy prey for a psychopath. As Wallace attempts to protect Dante, she also wrestles with her overpowering attraction to him. Featuring a strong heroine, this paranormal thriller with a heaping helping of steamy romance will appeal to fans of Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan books.