Urban Fantasy 101?

Mordred85 · Post by **Mordred85** » 15 May 2017, 10:04

Hello, I'm in my early thirties and have some experience as a screenwriter. Since 2014, I've been jaded and in hiatus, reluctant to get into screenwriting again. Over the last couple of years, I've been checking forums and submitting short prose for review. Since then, I've been considering becoming an author and possibly self-publishing my work. First, I'd like to explore the genre of urban fantasy. What I already know is very little. My GF has spoken to me about some books she reads like Dark Hunter series and the Black Dagger Brotherhood. I read the first BDB book and it was decent. I've gained a bit of interest and I'm sure these books are usually narrowed down as "supernatural romance" books, and not always urban fantasy. However, if I write something it's most likely going to be about vampires in an urban setting, just in my own way. Not sparkly, not eating oatmeal cookies and watching action movies,etc. (Nothing against oatmeal cookies)

Which urban fantasy books should an aspiring author in the genre read? I want to "pay my dues" reading before I jump into writing my own stuff. It's just a psychological thing and I'm sure many aspiring authors can relate to some extent.

Gravy · Post by **Gravy** » 15 May 2017, 20:07

Strict UF? Or mix of UF and paranormal romance?

Strict UF, I'd have to suggest Jim Butcher's Dresden Files, Seanan McGuire's Toby Daye series, Kevin Hearne's Iron Druid.
I would also suggest you look into Terry Pratchett's Discworld series, and maybe Simon R. Green's Nightside series.

If you have any other specifications (subject, dark or not, etc.), I can try to be more specific.

Mordred85 · Post by **Mordred85** » 15 May 2017, 20:14

I guess I meant paranormal romance. I also like the Underworld film series if that helps.

Gravy · Post by **Gravy** » 15 May 2017, 20:39

Paranormal romance, especially if you want vampires, I would suggest Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series.

Maybe Nalini Singh's Guild Hunter series.

I'll try to think of others.

Mordred85 · Post by **Mordred85** » 19 May 2017, 02:21

Wow, thanks Gravy. I plan on getting into that Night Huntress series. So far, I purchased a new series debut by Kenyon called Deadmen Walking. It's starts off feeling like a Pirates of The Carribean
, but she's a decent author so it's definitely entertaining and not exactly a knock-off.

Also, I purchased two of her first books from The League series. I tried picking up the first Night Huntress book, but Barns N Noble had a horrible copy so I'll eventually get to that.

Do you know of a forum that is specifically catering to authors/readers of paranormal romance? If not, this place seems kinda cool in it's own way.

Gravy · Post by **Gravy** » 20 May 2017, 04:57

Sadly, I don't. That would be awesome.
There are those of us here who read UF/PR, you just have to find us, lol.

Have you tried Charlain Harris? I've never read her, but hear good things.

Alhen James · Post by **Alhen James** » 02 Jun 2017, 17:25

Have you read Krsten Ashley's The Three Thrilogy? It' about vampires and werewolves set in present time.

-- 02 Jun 2017, 17:25 --

Have you read Kristen Ashley's The Three Thrilogy? It' about vampires and werewolves set in present time. Also you might like the Margeri Series by Dannika Dark.