Step into the spellbinding world of Prof Croft, where New York City hums with hidden magic and a quirky professor battles supernatural chaos! Brad Magnarella’s Prof Croft series is a delightful urban fantasy adventure, blending detective noir with wizardry. Follow Everson Croft, a mythology professor by day and a demon-busting mage by night, as he navigates a gritty city teeming with vampires, werewolves, and a sassy talking cat.
With its fast-paced plots and charming mix of humor and heart, this series hooks readers who crave magic with a modern twist. Whether you’re a fan of Dresden Files or just love a good magical mystery, Prof Croft’s world is your next obsession.
How Prof Croft Began
Brad Magnarella, a self-professed nomad with a knack for crafting immersive worlds, launched the Prof Croft series in 2016 with the prequel novella Book of Souls. Inspired by urban fantasy giants like Jim Butcher, Magnarella wanted to create a hero who was both relatable and extraordinary—a wizard juggling academic life with mystical mayhem. Set in a post-financial crash New York, the series reflects Magnarella’s love for cities where magic crackles just out of sight, drawing readers into a vivid, alternate urban landscape.
The Heart of Prof Croft
The series kicks off with Book of Souls, where a young Everson Croft uncovers his magical heritage while hunting a mysterious book in a Romanian monastery, dodging werewolves and ancient curses. Demon Moon, the first full novel, thrusts Croft into New York’s underbelly, solving a cathedral murder tied to demonic forces. Blood Deal ramps up the stakes as Croft faces a vampire mob boss, while Death Mage pits him against a mind-warping evil, testing his courage and wit.
Themes of resilience, discovery, and good triumphing over evil weave through the series, set against a richly imagined New York where magic lurks in subway tunnels and alleyways. Croft’s self-deprecating humor and makeshift wizardry—think spell-casting with a battered staff—give the stories a fresh, grounded feel. His bond with Tabitha, his succubus cat who loves to nap and snark, adds laugh-out-loud moments, making the series as heartwarming as it is thrilling.
Magnarella’s style leans into occult action and spell-crackling suspense, with plots that blend mystery and magic. Fans praise the series for its immersive world-building and Croft’s growth from an untrained mage to a city-saving hero, all while juggling his day job.
Why Prof Croft Resonates
With nearly half a million books sold and an Independent Audiobook Award nomination, the Prof Croft series has carved a niche in urban fantasy. Its blend of academic life and supernatural stakes appeals to readers who love flawed, relatable heroes. Comparisons to Harry Dresden highlight its detective-mage vibe, but Croft’s unique voice and New York setting make it stand out. The growing Croftverse, including spin-offs like Blue Wolf, keeps fans hooked, proving Magnarella’s knack for crafting worlds that feel alive and expansive.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes action, inviting readers to root for a wizard who’s as likely to grade papers as banish demons. It’s a love letter to urban fantasy fans craving adventure with a side of wit.
- First Book Published: 2016 (Book of Souls)
- Total Books: 13, including prequels and spin-offs
- Setting: Post-financial crash New York City
- Award: Independent Audiobook Award nomination
Grab Book of Souls and dive into Prof Croft’s magical New York, where every spell sparks a new adventure!