The best books that will sweep you into a fantastical series of alternate worlds

I adore Ilona Andrews’ works, regardless of series, as she never fails to keep me enthralled. But I highly recommend her Clean Sweep, the first in her Innkeeper Chronicles, that mixes elements of urban fantasy, science fiction, and a smidge of romance to keep things interesting.

Dina Demille is a multi-dimension, intergalactic innkeeper in the Texas hill country and she runs her magical inn that’s bigger on the inside than it looks with an intimidating broom. The world-building sucks you under in no time as Dina juggles an annoying alpha-strain werewolf ex-solider neighbor and a princely vampire warrior as she protects the unknowing human inhabitants of Earth from a vicious alien creature locked on one of her guests as its next target even as it uproots her inn’s peace.

You’ll fall in love with Dina’s quiet strength and unfailing commitment to others in this page-turning adventure.   

If you’re looking to binge a great murder mystery series with futuristic elements, JD Robb’s In Death series should be on your list. This is an auto-buy for me.

I fell in love with Eve Dallas, a New York City Lieutenant from page one. I love the creative mix of future elements (it’s set in 2058) and the in-depth character development of film noire stereotype of a cop on the edge of burnout.

As a homicide cop with a decade of experience, she’s no stranger to unraveling a killer’s motive, means, and opportunity, but when an investigation brings her into the orbit of Roarke, a billionaire with a murky past, her innate moral code and gut instincts are pitted against an irresistible attraction.

This is a fantastic entry into a compelling murder mystery series with a captivating cast of characters that never gets old. 

If you like paranormal romance, you’ll want to add Nalini Singh’s Slave to Sensation, the first of her Psy-Changling series to your list. 

Set in a unique future shared by shapeshifters, psychics, and humans, this Romeo and Juliet-type story will keep you hooked from the get-go. Ms. Singh manages to burrow deep into your heart as Sasha, the daughter of a powerful Psy, engages in a quiet rebellion and dares to get involved with the intimidating alpha of the influential shifter pack.

The way the story weaves the political and societal divides lends a realistic vibe to this fantastical tale where there are no easy answers. Yet, despite this, the couple still finds their way through painful choices to find a future where they can honor who they are at their core and find their version of happily ever after.

Patricia Briggs is a true weaver of stories, whose complex characters and intriguing world-building make it easy to get lost in her books.

Cry Wolf, the first in her Alpha and Omega series is no different. As someone who loves female characters with a core of grit, Anna, an Omega wolf who’s survived a brutal attack that threw her into a world of monsters, is one such heroine. When she and her new mate, Charles, stumble upon a wicked witch, it’s Anna’s strength that gives the nascent couple the edge they need to triumph over evil.

Fair warning, Anna’s history is painful and could be triggering for some, but what rises from the ashes is stunning to behold and gives testament to the strength of survivors.

Kristin Ashley’s paranormal fantasy, Until the Sun Falls from the Sky, is a spellbinding first into her Three series.

Told in a first-person point of view, this tale follows the headstrong Leah as she finds herself trapped by her family’s legacy to serve the centuries-old vampire, Lucien and fulfill a prophecy. With hints of Kate from Taming of the Shrew, Leah fights fate and her attraction to the seemingly unbending Lucien to maintain her sense of self and independence.

In true romance style, the push and pull of their relationship, mixed with the twists and turns of an unrelenting prophecy make this a must read for romance lovers.