Epic/Urban Fantasy?

Catherine Hsu · Post by **Catherine Hsu** » 12 Feb 2017, 02:41

I've never really been a huge fan of the urban fantasy genre, so it really depends on the book. I do remember reading Avalon Dreams which I remember being urban fantasy, and I really liked that.

Insomniac07 · Post by **Insomniac07** » 12 Feb 2017, 09:02

The only book that comes to mind is the Harry Potter series. The books start in modern day London and then shifts to Hogwarts only after a few chapters. So it sort of fits the hybrid category.

SandraTWP-BRW · Post by **SandraTWP-BRW** » 18 Feb 2017, 07:22

I enjoy the whole move from a "real" world to a "fantasy" one. I really enjoy the comparisons that come up, the adjustments that the characters have to make, and the ways their thinking has to shift to accommodate their new-to-them environments.

One of my favorite aspects in this book (Nightlord) is how he uses his advanced scientific knowledge as a foil to his newly acquired magic knowledge and skills in a culture that is a technological "throwback."

KasieMiehlke · Post by **KasieMiehlke** » 18 Mar 2017, 14:40

I have read a few books that have this kind of setting. I personally find them enjoyable. The characters must adjust not only to their surroundings but also to a potentially new culture and it helps me remember to not judge a different culture.

Naval Aulakh · Post by **Naval Aulakh** » 09 Jul 2017, 03:31

I like the books that provide a mix of epic and urban fantasy but I have not read much books of that style.

Anjum · Post by **Anjum** » 04 Dec 2017, 07:42

I think that it is both epic and urban fantasy.

Lincolnshirelass · Post by **Lincolnshirelass** » 04 Dec 2017, 08:17

I once read an article by the novelist AS Byatt where she says she can only enjoy fantasies if they take place entirely within a fantasy world, but much as I admire her, I beg to differ. The Narnia books are an obvious example, as is 'Lord Foul's Bane'. Then there is the interesting question of magical realism, taking place in a world that is both real AND fantastical, ie Angela Carter or Isabel Allende.

inaramid · Post by **inaramid** » 15 Dec 2017, 11:57

It doesn't sound so uncommon, particularly when you've been watching too much Japanese anime. It's still different though how books execute it. I do agree with the Narnia suggestion.

Sakilunamermaid · Post by **Sakilunamermaid** » 06 Apr 2018, 15:16

I've read a few books that have started in this world and ended up elsewhere.
The most recent one I read was Taste by Mary E. Twomey. This book features a girl who is half of earth and half of a whole other species. She travels to a land called Terraway where she becomes their answer for saving the people. The creatures and the rules of the other land are very cool. Seeing how someone can save/ change a world they didn't know existed with a power they have only just discovered is amazing.

mamalui · Post by **mamalui** » 02 May 2018, 17:00

hsimone wrote: ↑02 Dec 2016, 08:02 This is an interesting question. I'm not sure if I read a lot where we start in the "real" world and end up somewhere else. Although, the concept does intrigue me. The switching gives a sense of mystery and intrigue to the read. For this read, I think there is a bit too much time spent in the other world where Eric doesn't seem too focused on the reason why he ended up being there in the first place...

My thoughts exactly but still its a great and fun story to read.

Nikita_sharma · Post by **Nikita_sharma** » 13 Nov 2020, 00:35

Honestly, when it started out in the real world, I just went "ok, nice" but when it transitioned into the medieval-style epic world, it really drew me in. I like both settings for books usually but a shabbily put together, incomplete alternate world kills my interest easily. Props to Gared Whited's worldbuilding ability - it was so intricate and vast! He did a phenomenal job with it.