Okay, y'all need to get on with the Schaeferverse.

If you like urban fantasy, this is absolutely essential reading.

Craig Schaefer (nom de plume of Heather Schaefer) has crafted a clever, smart, fun, sensical universe full of rich lore and great characters, all of which come together in their books to weave pure magic. Their books are all about problems our protagonists face which they solve with their found families, with a clever twist at the end which ensures they prevail, sans any deus ex machina.

In their own words, well from their own website + my tweaking:

Craig Schaefer writes about witches, outlaws, and outsiders. Their protagonists are damaged survivors searching for answers, redemption, or maybe just that one big score.

Where do I start I hear you ask? I shall tell you. (Do note I will only list enough books to start you off on the right note. There are more sequels I won't mention here).

First Story Universe

“And moments like that…well, they’re pure magic, in the metaphorical and the literal sense. The story made a mark. Left a scar across the entire universe, a scar that couldn’t heal.”

The Revanche Cycle (Alternate medieval universe)

Not urban fantasy, but dark political fantasy thriller; akin to a (much) less messy Game of Thrones but every bit as fun. Or more, if you don't like GoT! Can be read any time prior to The Castle Doctrine. It is optional. If you skip it the rest of the stories will still make sense. But you know, don't, because it's awesome and enrichens the lore!

.1 Winter's Reach .2 The Instruments of Control .3 Terms of Surrender .4 Queen of the Night

Daniel Faust series (Las Vegas)

Hired wand, thief, gangster, entrepreneur, hotelier, demon lover, Russian roulette player, knight of hell, world savior (3x at last count). Daniel Faust wears many hats. Him and his found family of amazing characters. Preventing

Harmony Black series (USA)

Harmony Black and her team codename: Circus. When things go bump in the night, they are the ones who bump back. Book 1 in the series is the single best piece of urban fantasy I have ever read.

Wisdom's Grave trilogy

Fated lovers, NYPD Homicide Detective with Middle aged witch suddenly coming into her power. Essentially, I am asking you to read The Revanche Cycle, Daniel Faust series, and Harmony Black series just so you can read this trilogy with all the background information available to you (though it is not essential). This is an incredible trilogy!

🔗Here's the author's official reading order🔗

Here's my slightly simplified reading Order

The Revanche Cycle -- can be read anytime before Daniel Faust #6 The Castle Doctrine

Daniel Faust #1 The Long Way Down Daniel Faust #1.5 The White Gold Score (novella, optional) Daniel Faust #2 Redemption Song
Daniel Faust #3 The Living End Daniel Faust #4 A Plain-Dealing Villain Daniel Faust #5 The Killing Floor Blues Daniel Faust #6 The Castle Doctrine Daniel Faust #7 Double or Nothing

Harmony Black #1 Harmony Black Harmony Black #2 Red Knight Falling Harmony Black #3 Glass Predator Harmony Black #4 Cold Spectrum

Daniel Faust #8 The Neon Boneyard

And finally the piece de resistance! The Wisdom's Grave Trilogy!

Wisdom's Grave #1 Sworn To The Night Wisdom's Grave #2 Detonation Boulevard Wisdom's Grave #3 Bring The Fire

The Sisterhood of New Amsterdam universe

“This is New York City, sir. All the hotels are haunted by someone or other. You just have to pick the one with the ghosts that suit you.”

The Gotham Saga

The Gotham Saga #1 Ghosts of Gotham

The Midnight Scoop

The Midnight Scoop #1 The Hungry Dreaming

Charlie McCabe universe

A completely non-fantasy crime potboiler. Among my favorite books! Unfortunately not listed on the Schaefer site after its redesign but available for purchase. Haven't found them on Libby.

Charlie McCabe #1 The Loot

Charlie McCabe