Urban fantasy with a male lead–or tough guy urban fantasy as it is sometimes known–has seen something of a resurgence in the last few years. Once upon a time, the urban fantasy genre was dominated mostly by books featuring female protagonists from authors such as Kim Harrison, Laurel K Hamilton and Patricia Briggs to name just a few.

Now I am glad to say that the male protagonist in urban fantasy is becoming more commonplace as more male authors enter the genre, giving readers more than just Harry Dresden or John Constantine to read about, as awesome as those two characters are.

Below you will find a quick run down of ten different male urban fantasy series that have been published within the last few years. These series are the ones that stand out in the genre, and the ones you should check out first if you want to get yourself some tough guy urban fantasy that features someone other than Harry Dresden. The list is in no particular order.

1. Nate Temple 

This supernatural thriller series is probably the most bestselling of all the series included here. It’s a fun read, filled with action, snark and more supernaturals than you can shake a wand at.

2. Black Magic Outlaw

Domino Finn’s gritty urban fantasy series is another bestseller, and perhaps the series that also kicked off the latest resurgence in male driven UF. Set in Miami, the series has all the elements that go to make a good UF series.

3. Dark Magic Enforcer

Another snark driven, action-packed series, and the only one on this list to be set in the UK. Wales to be precise. A fun read.

4. Colin McCool

A great series with an engaging male protagonist and emotional depth.

5. Eric Carter

No, not the guy from ER. Eric Carter is the necromancer in Stephen Blackmoore’s dark urban fantasy series. Hard-boiled, gritty and well written. The latest book has just been released.

6. Soul Eater 

Excellent world building, multilayered characters that you will love or hate, and a fast moving storyline. Pure urban fantasy, in other words.

7. Lost Falls

One of my favorite new urban fantasy series. Great main character and excellent, well written stories that hit all the urban fantasy tropes you could want.

8. Prof Croft

Fast-paced urban fantasy with mystery, magic and even a little religion for good measure.

9. Harbinger P.I.

As the title suggests, this series features a detective who investigates supernatural goings on. Gritty and well-written.

10. Ethan Drake

My own male urban fantasy series, featuring tortured, bad-ass police detective, Ethan Drake. Dark, gritty, and fast-paced with all the supernatural action you could want from a UF book.

What are your favorite books in the genre? Drop a comment below and let me know.