Series: Elantra, by Michelle Sagara

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These are incredibly quick reads, enthralling and fun. Kaylin Neya is a Hawk (the equivalent of police officer) in Elantra, the giant, fantastic capital city of the Empire. Kaylin is a fairly stereotypical heroine for these kinds of books -- mouthy, irreverent, constantly in trouble, and utterly devoted to the Hawks. The series follows her as she begins to discover the magic she holds, and the allies and enemies that come with power.

I loved these books! This is the first time I've seen some of the conventions of noir writing in urban fantasy, and I really loved the way the author used them. Cast in Courtlight is my favorite, but I enjoyed them all immensely and have been recommeding them to my friends.

Cast in Shadow: Kaylin gets involved in the investigation of a series of murdered children -- all with arcane symbols tattooed on her skin, symbols that are eerily like the ones that appeared on her skin seven years ago...

Cast in Courtlight: Kaylin becomes enmeshed in the political machinations of the Barrani. Someone is trying to kill the younger son of the Castelord. But why? And why would they refuse to let the Hawks investigate?

Cast in Secret: It seems like a simple case of theft, quite a relief for Kaylin after all the magical investigations of the last few months. But why are the Oracles suddenly talking about the destruction of the city? And what do they know about Kaylin?

Cast in Fury: Kaylin takes her work as a midwife seriously, so when one of the new mothers asks for her help, she doesn't hesitate. Even if it means taking on the myths and taboos of the Leontines. But with Marcus arrested on suspicion of murder and her new seargeant angling to have her removed from the Hawks if she doesn't start following the rules, has Kaylin taken on more than she can handle?