The Laundry Files series follows the adventures of the secret agents of the UK-based super-secret agency known simply as “the Laundry” as they protect the UK from supernatural attack, much as James Bond and the agents of MI-6 protect the UK from more mundane threats. The modern, technology-driven magic drives home the point that “any sufficiently advanced technology is the equivalent of magic,” a statement many of us Luddites in an increasingly tech-driven world can agree with!

Bob Howard is a computer-hacker desk jockey, who has more than enough trouble keeping up with the endless paperwork he has to do on a daily basis. He should never be called on to do anything remotely heroic. But for some reason, he is. Then, for outstanding heroism in the field (despite himself), as a computational demonologist, Bob is on the fast track for promotion to management within the Laundry. Assigned to External Assets, Bob discovers the company (unofficially) employs freelance agents to deal with sensitive situations that may embarrass Queen and Country.

 Another new Laundry Files novel is due to be released this summer — and I have already pre-ordered it! Start reading the series now so that you are ready for the arrival of the next installment of the series when it appears!

The Dresden Files series was my introduction to all that urban fantasy is and can be. These books remain the granddaddy of all urban fantasy, as far as I am concerned, the brilliance of which others can only aspire to reach. The way Jim Butcher researches and then reshapes Celtic myth so that it becomes the basis of Harry Dresden’s world is stunning. His thoughtful descriptions of how magic “works” is well-developed and coherent; the discussion in Ghost Story (the 13th book of the series) of how ghosts or other non-physical agents are able to interact with the physical world–both influencing it and being influenced by it themselves–is logical, easy to follow, and provokes the “Why, of course!” moment that all good writing hopes to achieve.

Although it is recommended to read the books in order, I must admit that I did not do so when I first discovered the series and each books works well as a stand-alone novel. Each character is introduced again as necessary and the reader is not left wondering “Who is that” What are they talking about? Why did they do that?”

Hurry to start your adventures with Harry Dresden ASAP!