I keep going back and forth on the Kitty Norville series. I obtain the first book, then end up not reading it. The book looks too light hearted and I like more dark urban fantasy. Nevertheless, if the books are really funny, I like them as well. I think I like extremes, either really dark or really funny or very unique. Can any of you that read the Kitty Norville series tell me a series that is similar in comparison? I've read so many that I'm bound to have read some of the series that you mention. I just can't get a grasp of what the Kitty Norville series is like, is it urban fantasy, does it have romance in it? Thanks in advance to anyone who reads and responds!

I really like the Kitty series.  It is NOT light hearted.  I think of it as most similar to Patty Briggs Mercy series.  Kitty starts out as an attack victim.  She is very submissive.  Reacts like an abused woman.  And gradually, over the book, becomes stronger and stands up for herself.  Which does not go over well in the pack structure.  The series has a touch of romance, but not in the first books.   It is really much more urban fantasy.   Carrie Vaughn talks about how she wanted a female main character that was not some uber strong kick ass.  She wanted a character who she could see hanging out with.  Kitty has that real person feel; she really changes and grows as the books progress. 

So it is very important that these books get read in order.

Emily, thanks so much, I love the Mercy series (I didn't like it at the beginning but the series grew on me quickly). I am much more hopeful now on the series!

I've heard of folks having problems with the Kitty series as it does start out with a victim.  I think of it as a series about recovering and establishing your self confidence and self respect.  So much of the story revolves around that process.  But the story has to get through the trauma first. 

I really enjoy the Kitty series. They are keepers for me, whereas the Patricia Briggs series is not.

Emily nailed it right on the head of what this series is all about. I love the growth of Kitty, I love that the romance took awhile to enter the picture.

I would also suggest you give Rachel Vincent's Shifter series a chance. Faythe is a little different than Kitty, but I'd still want to hang out with both of them. I like this series because of the structure in their Pride and how the author describes their politics. The Shifter series has a bit more romance than the Kitty series, but I think the Kitty series probably has more romance as the series progresses. I've only read the first 3 books in it so far. Need to find some time to read the rest!

Jennifer, I love the shifter series, it is my new obsession. I'm on book 5 right now. I've decided to go ahead and read the first Kitty book. I appreciate the input!

I have read all 3 of the sereis and love all of them. They are uniquely different. I woudl recommend them all and read them in ourder. I am still looking for books 3-5 of Shifter series.

Alice

Alice, I wish I would have known, I just got rid of books 3-5! darn!

I've read them all the series mentioned above.  I don't think Kitty compares w/ Mercy.  IMHO Mercy is a far better series, so is the Shifter series (nothing is better then Mercy to me though..love, love, love it!)  The Kitty books get better as they go along but overall I'd say it's okay as it has it's ups and downs.  But overall it's just ok.. I'm having a hard time coming up w/ a comparision series for Kitty though.