Alex Verus series by Benedict Jacka

Fated (Alex Verus Book 1), Cursed (Alex Verus Book 2), Taken (Alex Verus Book 3), Chosen (Alex Verus Book 4), Hidden (Alex Verus Book 5), and Veiled

3/5. Urban fantasy of the lone wolf dude mage gets an apprentice and friends and entangled in wizard politics variety. The series deliberately invites Dresden Files comparisons – there is a specific in-text reference to that wizard in Chicago who advertises in the Yellowpages very early on, as if Jacka wants to make the comparison before the reader does. So fine, I'll make the comparison. This is less misogynist than Dresden Files, significantly less D&D, but has basically the same damn backstory and broader world, the same lack of awareness of what noncon is, the same love for high school level discussions of morality, and the same addiction to battles with half the creativity. Also similarly, I love the supporting cast far more than the putative hero.

Fun popcorn reads. I did read all six, you'll note, though it's also worth pointing out I had pneumonia at the time.