Urban Fantasy discussion

Here's a tall order.

I'd like to read urban fantasy from an independent author that is:

Character driven - doesn't have a convoluted plot

Makes its own myth - It's okay to have vampires and werewolves, but it better be unique, at least the perspective.

Doesn't have tons of violence - Some violence is okay, but it shouldn't be a crutch to provide conflict.

Not a massive series or huge books - A good writer should be able to get in and out in a reasonable length of time.

Not author wish fulfillment - I don't want all the character to be sexy and rich. They should have flaws that are not just character quirks. I want people I can relate to, that share some of my own problems.

This is too much to ask, right?

Honestly--Frank Tuttle's Markhat series. I'm not the author's sister, just a reviewer that can't believe more people haven't read him, because I think he would appeal to many. He seems to meet all of your requirements as well.

The first few installments are a short story and novella (The Mister Trophy) but the last three or four are full length novels. Protagonist is an ex-soldier making his living 'finding' people. A little snarky, but a good guy who tries to do right, even if he is a little cynical. In other words, not an anti-hero. But not amazingly talented--his skills are more in persistence and using his resources.

Humorous, light fun, although there's usually a supernatural angle that provides some tension/eerie atmosphere.

Snarky sounds great. I'll check out it too. Have a direct link to any of the shorts?

Have you read The City's Son? The creatures and mythology are very different from other stuff I've read. There's a fair amount of violence, but I wouldn't call it gory, and it's integral to the story. Not self published, but not published by a big NY house either, as far as I know. Only one book so far, which can be read as a stand alone story, and a second book due out later this year. And the main characters are kids living on the streets of London, so definitely no fantasy fulfillment there.

Well, I guess in case you liked the Buffyverse I would recommend although I think the characters may be younger than what you're looking for. (they're followed over the course of three or more year, starting at the last months of high school). And just like the Buffyverse, the characters and their relationship lead the pace of the story. The urban fantasy is definitely there but like in the show it's always been there more to heightened every feelings: love, hatred, passion, friendship, loyalty, jealousy...
The big plus is that you get the "four books" that make the story all at once for only 2,50$, so it's a given.

Thank you for all your recommendations. I've downloaded Stone Soldier, and put The Mister Trophy, and the The City's Sons.

And yeah, I enjoyed Buffy, and worked on the Buffy The Vampire Slayer RPG, but I am looking for older protagonists.

I have a podcast called Geeks Out After Dark, and we've been looking for indie books to review. Some of these may end up on the show.

try M.R. Forbes has two novels is far, his freshman book was amazing, and the sequel just killed it!

very original mythos with heaven, hell and purgatory.

A gentle reminder from your moderator: Authors, do not recommend your own books. Advertising should be posted *only* in the self-promotion thread.