Step into the wild and witty world of the Lily Harper series, where death is just the beginning of an epic urban fantasy adventure! Crafted by New York Times bestselling author H.P. Mallory, this series follows Lily Harper, a young woman who meets an untimely end in a car accident, only to find herself recruited as a soul retriever for AfterLife Enterprises. With a foul-mouthed guardian angel named Bill and a brooding Scottish bladesmith, Tallis Black, by her side, Lily navigates the treacherous Underground City—a hellish afterlife inspired by Dante’s Inferno. Packed with humor, romance, and high-stakes missions, this series is a must-read for fans of paranormal thrills.
From its quirky characters to its darkly comedic take on the afterlife, Lily Harper blends steamy romance with action-packed fantasy, making it a standout in the urban fantasy genre. Ready to dive into a world where the afterlife is anything but peaceful? Let’s explore Lily’s journey!
How Lily Harper Began
H.P. Mallory, a self-published author turned bestseller, launched the Lily Harper series in 2013 with Better Off Dead. Known for her love of paranormal tales and inspired by her time living in Scotland, Mallory crafted a unique afterlife setting that draws heavily on Dante’s Inferno. Her goal was to create a heroine who was relatable yet resilient, paired with a cast of flawed, unforgettable characters. The series’ blend of humor, romance, and fantasy quickly won over readers, establishing it as a fan favorite alongside her other works like the Jolie Wilkins and Dulcie O’Neil series.
The Heart of Lily Harper
The series kicks off with Better Off Dead, where Lily, killed before her time, accepts a job retrieving lost souls from the Underground City to avoid a century in limbo. Guided by the crass angel Bill and trained by the enigmatic Tallis, she faces demons and danger with a sharp wit. The second book, The Underground City, sees Lily tackling missions in the sewer aqueduct and prison, while her chemistry with Tallis heats up and the sinister Alaire, master of the Underground, takes an unsettling interest in her. To Hell And Back, the third installment, deepens the stakes as Lily battles demonic residents and uncovers Tallis’s dark secrets. Later books like Mark of the Beast and The Final Battle (the 13th and final book, published in 2023) explore Lily’s evolving powers and epic showdowns.
The series shines through its themes of resilience, self-discovery, and redemption, wrapped in a modern, irreverent tone. The Underground City, with its vivid, hellish landscapes, feels like a character itself, while Mallory’s humor—especially Bill’s outrageous banter—keeps the mood light despite the dark setting. Romantic tension, particularly the slow-burn between Lily and Tallis, adds steamy depth, making it a hit for readers who love fantasy with a side of passion.
Why Lily Harper Resonates
The Lily Harper series has carved a niche in urban fantasy for its bold mix of humor, heart, and horror. Fans praise its unique afterlife concept, comparing it to a paranormal Office Space with higher stakes. Mallory’s ability to balance quirky characters with emotional growth has earned the series a loyal following, with reviews highlighting its laugh-out-loud moments and gripping adventures. Though not as mainstream as some fantasy epics, its 13-book run and consistent fan engagement cement its lasting appeal for those craving a fresh, irreverent take on the genre.
- First Book Published: 2013 (Better Off Dead)
- Total Books: 13
- Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Romance
- Author: H.P. Mallory
Ready to join Lily on her soul-retrieving adventures? Grab Better Off Dead and dive into the hilarious, heart-pounding world of the Lily Harper series today!