Books like Feral Sins — picked by fans

I’ve always been captivated by the idea of a family you’re born into and a pack you’d die for. There is something primal and deeply moving about the werewolf mythos, specifically the unshakeable loyalty of a pack and the cosmic pull of a fated bond. For me, writing and reading about werewolves isn't just about the "monster"; it’s about the intense belonging and the fierce protection of those we love. I spend my days exploring these fated connections in my own writing, and these five books are the ones that truly set my heart racing and made me believe in the power of the pack.

I’ve always been captivated by the idea of a family you’re born into and a pack you’d die for. There is something primal and deeply moving about the werewolf mythos, specifically the unshakeable loyalty of a pack and the cosmic pull of a fated bond. For me, writing and reading about werewolves isn't just about the "monster"; it’s about the intense belonging and the fierce protection of those we love. I spend my days exploring these fated connections in my own writing, and these five books are the ones that truly set my heart racing and made me believe in the power of the pack.

I’ve always been captivated by the idea of a family you’re born into and a pack you’d die for. There is something primal and deeply moving about the werewolf mythos, specifically the unshakeable loyalty of a pack and the cosmic pull of a fated bond. For me, writing and reading about werewolves isn't just about the "monster"; it’s about the intense belonging and the fierce protection of those we love. I spend my days exploring these fated connections in my own writing, and these five books are the ones that truly set my heart racing and made me believe in the power of the pack.

I’ve always been captivated by the idea of a family you’re born into and a pack you’d die for. There is something primal and deeply moving about the werewolf mythos, specifically the unshakeable loyalty of a pack and the cosmic pull of a fated bond. For me, writing and reading about werewolves isn't just about the "monster"; it’s about the intense belonging and the fierce protection of those we love. I spend my days exploring these fated connections in my own writing, and these five books are the ones that truly set my heart racing and made me believe in the power of the pack.

I love the mystery and wisdom of wolves. When I began researching wolves to write my own wolf stories, I discovered they had not only keen instincts but shocking intuition. I read stacks of nonfiction books on wolves and wolf stories, too. I toured a wolf conservation. One of the wolves, a white wolf, looked me straight in the eye and held me there. A wolf’s eyes do more than see you. Her communication was almost a prayer. I went home and wrote a short story about a white wolf—"Sky Wolf, A Fairy Tale." And then I wrote a wolf novel. I’m in love with wild wolf spirit.

I have written 68 books, most of which are in the paranormal genre. I am fascinated by the art of taking our world and twisting it with magic, creatures, and beings that are different enough to add a touch more danger, a little more romance, and much more action to the lives that are lived in our world. I love the ‘what if,’ the lure of the full moon, and answering the question, “What lives in the shadows?” I hope you enjoy this list and find yourself going on many more reading adventures.

We are in a time where everything seems fraught, and cozies remind me that there are other paths. I write science fiction and fantasy, a genre known for making things worse. But secretly, I want my books to explore what happens when people talk to one another and make the kinder choice. It’s easy to escalate. But having a book with tension and interest and plot twists, while also making the reader feel secure is much harder. Watching characters in unexpected genres have cozy moments reminds me it’s possible. And also, sometimes you just want a hug from a book.

I’m a bit of an anomaly in the author world because I didn’t find my passion for reading until I was a newly married adult. My husband, who is the coolest geek ever, introduced me to the DragonLance Chronicles, opening my eyes to the wonder that is the fantasy genre and turning me into an insatiable reader. It’s taken more than ten years to craft my own urban fantasy world, outline my first 6-book series in the world, and write the first book, but none of that would have been possible without the urban fantasy trailblazers listed above. I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have! 

The things that I am most interested in are books that are deliciously fun to read and books that pick you up out of your comfortable chair and drag you across a fantastic landscape. What does that require? Three Ws for starters. Wit: both on the part of the characters and the author—I like smart characters, biting banter, and clever turns of phrase and story. Weird: in the sense of the unusual and mysterious—good world-building coupled with mysteries meant to be unraveled by the reader as much as by the characters. Wild: fast-paced action filled with sudden turns and unexpected drops and conversations that are three parts well-written words and two parts fencing without a blade. 

Being a petite person, I can’t move furniture by myself or lift heavy boxes. It’s freaking annoying. I dream of having a magic wand or some sort of power that would make me stronger. If there was a potion to turn me into a Buffy the Vampire Slayer, kick-butt type of girl I’d drink it in a second. Since there is no such potion, I write and read books about supernatural girls who don’t take crap from anyone, especially the guys in their lives.