A long-running series is an interesting thing. As the story continues through multiple books, readers form a relationship with the characters, and opening the new installment feels like coming home to spend time with old friends. As authors, we are very grateful for the opportunity to touch people’s lives through our writing. At times that special connection gets buried under the minutia of admin tasks, fatigue, and negative experiences, but then something happens to remind us that reading is an interactive sport. This is one of those moments.
When Kate Daniels just came out, it wasn’t well received by critics in the fantasy genre. The very first professional review we ever saw actually said that we already had a Jim Butcher and the world didn’t need a female knock-off. But then slowly the readership grew, and one of the very first fantasy reviewers who supported us was Mihir Wanchoo of Fantasy Book Critic. You can read Mihir’s biography at this link. Mihir championed our books for over a decade. He probably doesn’t know it but he played a large part in contributing to the series. No matter how down we would get, reading Mihir’s review – even when it was critical – always made you feel like your work was worthy and special.
Not too long ago he sent us this lovely art he commissioned from Martina Scafa, which depicts a scene from Blood Heir. He gave me permission to share it on the blog.
It’s difficult to describe the feeling you experience as a writer when something you created inspires another art form: music, painting, audio adaptations, and so on. It’s like you have grown somehow. It’s proof that your work reached people and sparked their own art.
Thank you, Mihir, for letting us experience it.
Absolutely gorgeous rendition. Thank you Mihir and House Andrews!
Very cool!
As an aside, I find the “Jim Butcher knockoff” hard to understand. Having read just about everything in both series, they’re completely different animals. The only common theme is magic, and Kate doesn’t even perform any magic in Magic Bites. Then again, laziness isn’t a monopoly.
I second this. I read both series and can say that they are very desimilar. I just scratch my head sometimes at how people wanna pigeonhole authors, especially ones that femme or femme presenting.
Yes, I thought the same thing. What exactly did they think was the same, other than having a largely urban setting?
That was probably it. They were ignorant that Urban Fantasy was actually a genre whose time had come.
It makes no sense. The tone of the story and the basic lore underpinning the world is very different. Dresden is at heart a magic in the every day world and fairies exist. Kate is a dystopian near future where magic has disrupted technology. I could see Mercyverse being a more direct comparison with Dresden, but wow…
Right?! My thoughts exactly. My son is named Dresden, after the Dresden files lol. There is almost nothing in common between the series.
There are so many levels of offensive in calling Kate a Harry Dresden knock off. Not to mention the sneering misogyny in “we don’t need a female 9anything)”. Not to mention the strange strange idea that once you’ve got one entry in a genre, that’s it, no one else need apply.
This. Like the country radio stations that limit the percentage of songs by female artists.
+1
I generally agree with the sentiment and point…
and it’s actually been quite a while since I re-read Magic Bites, but…
I would have sworn that Kate did perform magic therein. Didn’t she?
Yeah, she used the “language of power” I guess it is called and power words. Also, she use her ability to pilot vamps to hunt the baddie. Some of the things that happen are funny in KD, but Butcher is pun, slapstick, and snarc. KD is more adult both in characterization and concept. But, book reviewers cater to specific audiences and as we’ve discovered, there are a shit ton of misogynist racists embedded in geek culture
So true about misogyny and geeks. So tired of the whole sexist battle being fought over and over. Seeing my grandkids have to fight the same battle I fought 50 years ago is frustrating. But my real response is Who is Jim Butcher? Must Google.
Just read a few star wars or star trek “fan reviews” of the latest installments of each
+1 on the completely different animals.
My thoughts exactly. I cannot imagine how the reviewer came to that conclusion.
This is outstanding! beautiful artwork.
Wow! This is amazing! Thank you for sharing it!
That is amazing!
I’m glad you were able to be reminded that your work brings joy and is valued. Thank you for sharing the beautiful artwork! ????
I can not overestimate how important your stories have been to my life – specifically getting through the pandemic.
At my lowest, most depressed, most anxious, I can dig myself back into one of your worlds (really, any of them, doesn’t matter, The Edge or Innkeeper, or literally any) and I’m okay for a minute.
It’s not therapy. I have a therapist. It’s something else, and whatever it is, I’m grateful to you for building these refuges in which I can escape.
Refuge is exactly the correct term. I was thinking about this exact subject, in exactly those terms, this morning. These books have given me hundreds and hundreds of hours of refuge. The financial transaction of purchasing a book like Blood Heir doesn’t begin to account for the authorial expenditure of time, effort, and talent.
+1
Wow! Thanks for sharing!!
beautiful, and true to the scene.
Wow! That’s very very cool. I agree, thanks for allowing it to be shared with us!
Touching on so many levels…
The generous support over the years…
The kind critiques that made you even better…
The commissioned artwork to commemorate a new series…
These are the things that make life beautiful.
Wow, that’s really neat!
Gives me the urge to go paint something. LOL
I’ve loved your books from the beginning. You were the first series I read that had a totally different view of vampires–they weren’t pretty people with fangs, they were true monsters. That and the waves of magic mucking up technology and the very different kinds of mythological beasties won me over and are still great to read about. Your work IS different, that’s one of many reasons I love it so much.
I absolutely agree on the vampires, I read Magic Bites after going through some Anita Blake books and the view of vampires kind of turned me off. Then, after the fullness of time I reread Magic Bites, and the distance from the Anita Blank world helped me get engrossed in Kate Daniels, and now there’s no comparison! I reread Kate Daniels again and again probably at least 5 times now, but haven’t reread Anita Blank in awhile.
That is a complete mystery I barely got through the first Dresden book (not bad just not my vibe). I read Magic Bites every other year and it still makes me cheer and smile.
Oh my golly, that is me! I did try Dresden and alas we were not meant to be.
Having enjoyed both bodies of art/work that Pigeon hole is rubbish.
I very happy you have that bolstering presence in your professional life, it makes a great deal of difference. Continue being amazing, please.
Amazing!!! ????
It’s not just the characters. I still think about how Dali’s mom tells her about beauty growing in love, and it touches me every time.
Fabulous art. Thank you for sharing.
Love both Ilona Andrews and Jim Butcher. Have re-read both of these series multiple times. But… they’re very different!
My only thought would be that both Kate Daniels and Dresden are… snarky and don’t bow to authority well? Hehehehe.
Lovely post/tribute to a champion of your work earlier! We all gotta have those champions. Thanks for sharing.
I haven’t read the Jim Butcher series so I can’t compare them to anything. I started reading your books because I love reading about strong kickass female characters and you write them beautifully. The women in your books are women I love to read , intelligent, talented, competent, they have flaws and make some mistakes but that adds interest because perfection does get boring. Keep doing you and we will keep reading and enjoying!
WOW! So excited for you and what an awesome thing to be able to share – thank you.
Funny, how a circle closes sometimes.
I love and value your books for long years already.
And I discovered Jim Butcher through a mentioning an your blog.
Thank you for both!
So deserved. Your books bring me so much joy and comfort. Even if they occasionally make me want to yell at stubborn characters, they always transport me into another world and live adventure after adventure.
When I read “reading is an interactive sport” I went yes! Exactly! I always hope writers get back as much as they give since until recently with the social media’s were weren’t able to tell them directly what their writing has meant to us. Glad you have someone who keeps filling your cup when you need it. And very cool artwork!
I will always be fond to come back into Kate Daniels world, this series means so much too me. Thank you writing!
I am reading the books in the world of Kate Daniels again. The books bring as much happiness and entertainment as they did when I first read them. I want the world of Kate Daniels to go forever. I am looking forward to the next book in the Blood Heir series. I really hope that Hugh gets another book.
Having read some Jim Butcher (all of the Calderon, some of the Harry Dresden, and hopefully will get more Cinder Spire), I am not sure why anyone would put the Kate Daniels world in the same ball park….oh well.
My daughters and I talked about this phenomenon recently when it comes to music…marketing would have you believe you can like (and will buy) only one Rihanna OR Beyonce, Simon OR Garfunkel, etc….whereas at least our reality has been that we appreciate and buy both because….both are well-crafted and satisfying. That’s how genres develop….the reader/audience has a taste for badass heroines, and will buy and keep buying interesting, well-written heroines, that do have their own unique qualities/world creation (part of the ‘well-written’ requirement).
Fantastic
Depicted perfectly, in my minds eye
Love it!!!
I’ve heard people say that any book with vampires and werewolves is just like Twilight. My question to them is if they read any of the books other than Twilight.
Twilight is different from Kate is different from Innkeeper is different from Mercyverse. Four different series that are different from each other. You can’t say that a scrawny, quadrupedal, day glow sunscreen wearing vampire is the same as a sparkling vampire.
Taste the rainbow! We could start a whole debate on if Edward should be painted blue or green or purple.
I loved the line in one of Jeanine’s books where Bones tells a journalist that if he asks if Bones sparkles that he’d eat/bite/kill (can’t remember exactly) the journalist.
My favorite Twilight reference was in Kevin Hearne’s Iron Druid series, when Jesus (yes, *that* Jesus) tells Atticus to go stake some vampires – “especially the sparkly, emo kind.” I could not stop laughing.
What a fantastic gift!
What a beautiful piece of art! I can’t imagine what you and Gordon have gone through with critics and some of the opinionated, entitled jerks out here, but I’m so grateful to Mihir, and to you both for continuing on. I have been in love with your work since I happened upon the first book in the Edge series….then I read every single book you had out already, and waited with everyone else for each new Kate book, Hidden Legacy book, and your Innkeeper series. Your series are exactly as you stated….like old, dear friends. By the way….I’ve tried several times to read the Dresden Files, and just couldn’t get into it….not to say it isn’t a good series, but it’s not my cup of tea, and nothing like KD.
I’m not sure what I think of the picture, but I know exactly what scene it is. One of my favorites, actually.
Yes. How wonderful that your writing inspired this work of art. Always a great thing. Thank you for your books. So captivating and interesting with a splash of humor.
I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that comment was made by a male…?
Either way, so, so wrong. Firstly Kate is not a ‘knock-off’ anything and secondly we need more representation of strong female characters and leads not less.
Anyway I love the art work, bring on more Julie and Derek!!!
Ooh, you could have asked for that mural to be put onto the wall of your house. Then you could both put a sign next to it like those heritage signs that says which famous person(s) lived at that residence. 😛
So, let’s see, an artist who likes your work compiled some art into a calendar that a lot of us bought. There was the company that makes web graphic comic books (what was the term?) of the first Hidden Legacy. You have all sorts of artists who are inspired by your work.
Now if we could just get a Hollywood production studio to get on board so we can get a live-action TV series going. Or an animated series. Either one.
I think Innkeeper would do great as a live action TV series but the rest would need to be movies.
I vote Allison Pill as Dina. Helen Mirren as Caldenia (never going to happen as it would bankrupt the production. )
+1 Hellen Mirren (fantastica en RED)
Maybe Helen’s a secret BDH and she does it for a share of the profits
hehe
Thank you for sharing, Mihir Wanchoo and Ilona Andrews. How wonderful!
+1 Very cool!
Beautiful artwork from my favorite series & favorite couple! Amazing to see Julie and Derek. Team Metal Rose!
Wow! Thanks for sharing the artwork and also for your wonderful books. Re-reading Kate Daniels has gotten me through tough days.
The artwork is amazing – thank you for sharing it with us!
Also, thank you for the Zoom “Dinner”! It was fun to “hang out” with you two and Grace and Patrick!
So excited for all the upcoming books from the authors as well as the GA news (and thanks for the spoiler Gordon ????)!
What’s a virtual Q&A without Gordon’s spoilers hehehe.
*gif of salt guy sprinkling salt*
So true! It wouldn’t feel right without one. ????
oh no, i always miss the Zoom’s and miss the spoilers
sad face
There wasn’t a spoiler session this time, the entire video is available for watching here https://youtu.be/AunnCE3ccLg
Thanks
That is just fabulous art. I think I started hanging out on the website forum right before the Magic Strike’s came out? It has been fabulous to watch y’all grow your brand.
Mad respect to awesome reviewers!
I dunno, unless you toss in Kate riding on a t-rex randomly (which she just might for giggles if she had the chance) you can’t be a Jim clone. You’re just stuck with making your own amazing books as you’ve always done. 🙂
Although a random collab between you guys and Jim where Dresden accidentally falls into Kate’s territory (or vice versa) certainly sounds like it would be hilarious. As unlikely as it would be to ever happen.
It does make me wonder…
Question: how much of literature was saved (not the special collection kind, more the ‘every day’ stuff) in Kate’s world? I can’t imagine all librarians/ teachers/ book addicts would have abandoned the books. Probably not as much reading for fun I imagine (and fewer news books printed).
I never imagined that the books disappeared. It’s not a horror story after all. ???? (Just in case the ???? wasn’t clear, that was meant to be mildly funny.)
Since books pre-date tech, wouldn’t they be safe? Unless they were devoured, burned, or crushed under rubble, of course. ????
I can’t even comprehend critics not liking the Kate Daniels series. Kate Daniels is hands down my favorite heroine EVER, and I have read A LOT of books. Everything you write is fantastic. I’ve enjoyed every single book you’ve written. Thank God you didn’t give up, and thank God for Mihir Wanchoo! ????
Incredible. Thanks so much for sharing HA, and Mihir who recognised quality from the beginning.
Would love more Blood Heir. No pressure… ????
All I can think of is Derek’s wolf form is a lot more terrifying than any other Blood Heir monster… yikes
Your books and approach to authorship give me great joy. I hope you both get to do this work for as long as you are called to do so. Yours are books I can gladly re-read every few years.
I’ve never been happier to introduce House Andrews as my favourite authors. I’m slowly getting fellow readers around me hooked on different HA books. The Innkeepers is a favourite at the moment. Even when I give a basic plot summary about it, it draws people in and they’re interested in reading it. My favourite part of the week at the moment is waking up on a Saturday morning (in Aus) and seeing a new chapter released on the website.
It’s a great picture and it’s nice to have supporters, especially with the good old boy misogyny of the SF&F hardcore community (don’t get me wrong, I’m a lover of it since the 80s but…).
You’d think being looked down on by lots of other groups would make them more open minded.
Not sure if creating more and more sub-genres has helped or hindered the inclusivity since it’s now like school cliques!
I like a broad spectrum of SF and of fantasy and a soupçon of crime and a large dash of romance and not even including the types of non-fiction I read.
I haven’t got time to be fussing over what the book I enjoy is fitting into genre-wise!
Long live the pioneering authors! Vive la révolution!
web comic of first Hidden Legacy? (mentioned by Tink above) I think I missed this! Is there a link? (Thanks in advance.)
Hey Maria,
It’s not webcomics as such ????, it’s a mobile game adaptation – here for more https://ilona-andrews.com/2021/chapters-burn-for-me/
Thanks! Now I remember. I’m not much of a gamer, so I guess that’s why the news did not stick with me. Fun to revisit to art shown in the blog post!
Great!
Love it (the artwork and the thoughts)! Thanks for sharing. ????
it always makes me laugh how different the images you can conjure up in your head look so different from someone else’s imagination. Looks amazing though!!
Wow, the artwork is just breathtaking!! It is beautiful.
Its fabulous! Thank you Mihir and HA and all those who write great reviews and encourage authors.
I love it! Such a great book, and such a beautiful depiction of this scene!
this is so epically badass!!!
This is so stunning! Thank you for sharing!!
Mihir and House Andrews beyond happy the a positive review keep the KD world supplied with its own version of urban fantasy. ✨ Here kitty, kitty ????⬛ ✨
I don’t read the critics thoughts about a book since the critics can be wrong. Why is it when strong female characters are featured in a book, the majority of critics want to bash the book? I think it’s nuts.
I didn’t start reading the Mercy Thompson series until I started reading Patricia Briggs’ Alpha and Omega series. They kept talking about Mercy in some of the books, so I thought I would read book one in Mercy’s series. Then things started making sense in the Alpha and Omega series. The critics loved Mercy, but were “meh” about Charles and Anna’s story. I like both series. 🙂
Kate’s books I started reading halfway through the series. Then I had to back to the beginning and read the books before the one I started on. I couldn’t get enough of reading about Kate (like the rest of the BDH).
I am glad that you and Gordon encouraged Jessie Mihalik to keep writing her books. Her books are awesome, too.
Is there a place where we can see all the various art inspired by your books?
Beautiful and scary and exhilarating all at once.
Well done Mihir and Martina Scafa ????????
In 2017, half of my immediate family died within months of each other. For a long time after that I was suicidally depressed, and it was only the little things in life that kept me going. In particular, I had been a huge fan of the Kate Daniels series for almost a decade, and I really wanted to read Magic Triumphs and see how it ended.
That literally kept me going some days. I would think “I should hold out until it’s published” and I managed to. And finally getting to read it gave me a little bit of joy when I hadn’t felt anything but misery in a very long time.
It’s kind of awkward for me to post this, but I’m in a much better place now, and looking back I genuinely think that my love for your writing played a big part in saving my life.
I just wanted to thank you for all the effort and creativity and passion you’ve brought to your work over the years, and how you’ve continued to share it and push on despite whatever criticisms you received. Your voices have helped more people than you know.
I’m so happy you’re still here with us, JP, and that you found a safety net in the books.
For anyone struggling at the moment, you are loved and you are needed- please reach out for specialist help, here are some resources https://ilona-andrews.com/blog-rules/
I went thru a bad time in college (many many years ago!) and only held on by a thread. So glad I did: life is so worthwhile now! I’m glad things are better for you too. ????????
When my child started college, I worried, as these things often run in families. I kept reminding her that if she ever feels badly, she should seek help immediately, not wait for things to get out of hand, and above all, do not choose a permanent solution to a temporary problem.
Glad you are happier now! Sending good vibes your way!
I wasn’t going to comment because I’m reading this late, but I couldn’t let this pass. Ilona and Gordon’s books, this blog and the BDH got me through marital issues, my husband’s mental health issues which turned into medical issues and his subsequent suicide, followed by COVID and my teenage son’s subsequent suicidal depression. So, I have said it before and I will say it again, Thank You! And don’t let the bastards get you down.
But to JP and anyone else suffering depression, stay strong and cling to the things that give you joy. It can be so hard to remember that things can and will get better when you’re stuck in the black despair of depression. It feels like you’re suffering is unbearable, and it is for sure, but it is NOT endless. It gets better with time and treatment if you give yourself a chance, I promise. The thing people forget about is that many depressed people also feel that they’re family and friends would be better off without them! This is so far from the truth! There are too many people who would be irreparably damaged by your death, now including me. You are loved and valued. Please love and value yourself as much as we do! Sending hugs to all who are suffering, please take care.
Congratulations!! I am so glad you had someone championing your work, especially if it lead to you continuing that work! When I read what you said about reading (or rereading) a piece feeling like visiting an old friend, that really resonated with me as I have felt that way about your works for a long time now. I find that when I am feeling ill or stressed, I ALWAYS turn to reading your works as a distraction and comfort. I love reading anything you write, and always get enjoyment from that. But, when I am not feeling well, either physically or emotionally, I find your books bring me a sense of comfort and encouragement. I have been through a lot medically, which has also caused a lot of stress emotionally, and I truly don’t know how I would have made it through some of those times without your books to turn to. I can honestly say that there have been times when I had nobody or nothing else to lean on for comfort and support. It meant the world to me to have your books to read, and reread, during some of the toughest and darkest times in my life. There is sometimes no way you can know the impact and effect you have on others, through your words, actions, or works, until someone tells you. I still am experiencing medical issues that are chronic, continuingly worsen, have no cure, and will eventually be fatal. I have already survived longer with these conditions than 60% of the average person who has even one of the conditions. Your works have brought me not only entertainment and enjoyment, but comfort and a sense of peace when I desperately have needed them. I am a voracious reader (go BDH!), and read works by many authors, but your books are the ones I unfailingly turn too when I am in need of comfort. I thank you for sharing your hard work and amazing talent, and am grateful that you had those reviews that encouraged you and inspired you to continue writing and publishing!! Thank you again for sharing the results of your creativity and labor, and I hope that you continue to do so for a long time to come!!
Wonderful artwork thank you Mihir and thank you for supporting house Andrews.
This is a great post Andrews, and completely true. We developed a bond with well written characters and amazing series like Kate Daniels. They have been my friends since inception! Thank you for your talent!!!
I read and enjoyed Dresden for the humor and snark, and will always love that this series introduced me to Urban Fantasy. But what I love more is that while trying to find more Urban Fantasy to read when I finished all available Jim Butcher books I stumbled upon Kate Daniels and Ilona Andrews books.
Don’t get me wrong, I still love any of Jim Butcher’s books (and I look forward to reading his son’s first book) but I am not nearly as invested in them as I am in Ilona Andrews books.
Kate Daniels especially is full of characters that I care deeply about, and re-reading any Ilona Andrews books is like spending time with old friends that I care deeply about. ????????
No offense to Jim Butler (I loved Codex Alera), but Harry Dresden is literally unreadable to me because the male gaze is super strong at least in the first book. As an urban Fantasy lover I’m always glad when I find female leads like Kate Daniels.
I’m so glad you pushed through the negative feedback, I love Kate Daniels and every other book you wrote so far <3
Oh, I love Mihir, Fantasy Book Critic is one of my favourite blogs. 🙂
That is a lovely art, thanks for sharing it with us.
I was hooked big time after reading the first Kate Daniels book. I love Jim Butcher’s Harry Dresden books. The only thing I thought after reading the Kate Daniels book was I was so lucky to have found two authors that keep me mesmerized while reading one of my favorite genres.
Spectacular picture! Fuzzy werewolf to the right has to be Julie’s fav werewolf! Glad book inspired creating the picture!
Love and joy being spread and reaching far enough that it comes back to you.
Always ????
Wow! Great picture!
I love that instead of being portrayed stick thin and willowy in an adolescent manner, she is depicted with the kind of upper body strength you’d expect, and her lower body stance is solid, grounded and strong. I believe she’s perfectly capable of using that bow, with that physique and physicality. It’s a great image.
A big thank you to Mihir Wancho for encouraging you to continue with the Kate Daniels World. Just love reading the books, and, I’ve read them all multiple times – they haven’t grown old. Critics are usually pompous twots, Terry Pritchett is another of the families absolute favourite authors, and I believe reading his books was a huge plus in encouraging our boys to continue reading. One holiday trip had them reading four books while on the road for about 2 weeks. Critics had a field day panning his books, but he is one of the best loved authors in the World and was recognised by Queen Elizabeth II for his contribution to the literary world. So keep up the great work you do in creating wonderful stories and worlds for us to enjoy. Big hugs to you both.
I remember when I discovered your books. I was looking in my local B&N to see if there was a new Jim Butcher or Patricia Briggs. I just happened to pick up your book. Bought it, brought it home and started to read. I got to my all time favorite line, “Here kitty, kitty!” I laughed so hard at the snarky attitude and became a member of the BDH. Pick up the Edge Series while waiting for new KD books. Fell in love with them too. I’d be in B&N looking for a book and see someone browsing. I would ask them if they had read anything by Ilona Andrew’s. If the answer was no, I would thrust books into their hands and tell them, “You HAVE to read these!”
Thank you for years of snarky enjoyment.
Jim Butcher ? As much as I love his work, the only thing they have in common is somewhat snarky humor. Just goes to show you what critics seem to be,frustrated ppl who harp on others bc they themselves can’t do it….
And in the end you guys got the BDH, and the critic got dyspepsia.
My sister, Lynette, encouraged me to send this your way. I have been a teacher a long time, and an assignment I give is for students to create a newspaper “from” the choice book they’d read for the quarter. I made one inspired by Clean Sweep and The Innkeeper series.
Oh no! The pictures won’t load because the files are too large. Hmm. I will work on it. (Also, as an interesting aside, I used to write for the same blog – Lydia Valentine -, and I was paired with Mihir to review one of Kate’s books! I got the sense that mine was a bit too wordy, though, and talked myself out of reviewing much more for the site! Imposter syndrome is such a beast!)
Oh, I do so hope we one day get to read further into Julie and Derek’s story! This artwork is so beautiful!
So do I :’) the devastation if the trolls win.. I cannot
I for one am super grateful for the early champions of House Andrews. What a loss it would have been for us if Magic Bites hadn’t come on the market. I’ve read and reread all your books multiple times, they are my favorite standbys whenever I can’t find anything new and good to read, which is getting harder everyday…there are just so many junky books around. Love Jim Butcher too (have also read all his books and short stories), but definitely a very different vibe and feel with the two series.
I love Jim Butcher, too, but it never occurred to me to compare the three of you. All of your works enrich my world.
I am so glad you kept going and I was able to find your book through some stumble through the internet. I honestly don’t get the “Female Jim Butcher”. I have bought one of his books and I’m still trying to get through it. Not my cup of tea. Your writing on the other hand – totally my cup of tea, and coffee, and …. Your books are one of the few I re-read when I’m short on a new books.
What a glorious piece of art work. Thanks for sharing it. And thank you for the blog. I love coming here and reading the latest news.
Your work was in no way a knockoff! Granted, I think people that like the Dresden Files will also like your stuff, but that doesn’t make you derivative, it just means you’re both good!