Urban fantasy

Urban fantasy
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Fantasy media

Genre studies

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Urban fantasy is a sub-genre of fantasy defined by place; the fantastic narrative has an urban setting. Many urban fantasies are set in contemporary times and contain supernatural elements, making them a sub-genre of Contemporary fantasy. However, the stories can take place in historical, modern, or futuristic periods. The prerequisite is that they must be primarily set in a city.[1]

Contents

Characteristics

Urban fantasy describes a work that is set primarily in a city and contains aspects of fantasy. These matters may involve the arrivals of alien races, the discovery of earthbound mythological creatures, coexistence between humans and paranormal beings, conflicts between humans and malicious paranormals, and subsequent changes in city management.[2][3]

Several characters of urban fantasy are shown to have self-esteem issues or tragic pasts.[4][5] These matters often tie into the larger story or the development of the protagonist. Though stories may be set in contemporary times, this characteristic is not necessary for the fiction to be considered urban fantasy,[1] as works of the genre may also take place in futuristic and historical settings, real or imagined.[2] Authors Marie Brennan and Cassandra Clare have set urban fantasies in Elizabethan and Victorian London respectively.[6][7]

Adult fiction

Many urban fantasy novels geared toward adults are told via a first-person narrative, and often feature mythological beings, paranormal romance, and various female protagonists who are involved in law enforcement or vigilantism.[1][8] Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series—which follows the investigations of a supernatural Federal Marshal during paranormal cases—has been called a substantial and influential work of the genre.[9] Kim Harrison's Rachel Morgan novels, also regarded as inspirational works, feature a bounty-hunting 'witch-born' demon who battles numerous supernatural foes.[10] The Charlie Madigan series, by Kelly Gay, explores the challenges a police officer faces while trying to balance her paranormal cases with life as a single mother.[2]

In addition to books which present largely independent characters, certain stories feature men and women who are regularly partnered on adventures—often with an underlying romantic element. The Jaz Parks series, by Jennifer Rardin, follows the titular CIA operative and her vampire boss as they combat supernatural threats to national security.[11] Jocelynn Drake's Dark Days novels follow a vampire named Mira and a vampire hunter named Danaus, who work together to protect their people from a mutual enemy.[12] Night Huntress, a series by Jeaniene Frost, centers around a half-vampire named Catherine and a vampire bounty hunter called Bones, who gradually become lovers while battling the undead.[13]

Teen fiction

While several adult stories focus on professional heroes, many teen urban fantasy novels follow inexperienced protagonists who are unexpectedly drawn into paranormal struggles. Amidst these conflicts, characters often gain allies, find romance, and, in some cases, develop or discover supernatural abilities of their own.[8] In Kelley Armstrong's The Darkest Powers series, a group of teens with paranormal talents go on the run while fleeing from a persistent band of scientists.[14] The short story "The Supra Man: Simply Super" by Omar McIntosh features a young, innercity version of Superman named Sean McBridden, who is Irish American and has anger management problems. In Unearthly, by Cynthia Hand, a girl discovers that she is part angel and gifted with superhuman abilities, leading her to seek out her purpose on Earth.[15] The Immortals series, by Alyson Noël, follows a girl who gains special abilities after recovering from an accident, and also grows close to a mysterious new boy at her school.[16] In addition, love triangles play a prominent part in these and several other urban fantasy novels.[17][18]

In certain books, a boarding school or similar institution holds a significant role in the story. Rampant, by Diana Peterfreund, follows a group of young women at a cloisters as they train to fight killer unicorns.[19] The House of Night series, by P. C. and Kristin Cast, presents a school where future vampires are disciplined while on the path to transformation, during which several romantic conflicts and other clashes ensue.[20] Claudia Gray's Evernight novels center around a mysterious academy, where a romantic bond develops between a girl born to vampires, and a boy who hunts them.[21] Fallen, by Lauren Kate, revolves around a student named Luce who finds herself drawn to a boy named Daniel, unaware that he is a fallen angel who shares a history with her.[22] Other series, such as Carrie Jones's Need, have characters moving to new locations but attending public schools while discovering mysterious occurrences elsewhere in their towns.[23]

A common thread running through almost all teen urban fantasy is that, in addition to these teens dealing with stakes possibly as large as the fate of the world, they're also coming into their own and learning who they are. These coming-of-age themes and a teen "voice" are what distinguish young adult urban fantasy from adult books in the genre.[24]

Media tie-ins

In the case of urban fantasy novels, the use of other media has become a common part of creation and promotion.

Music

"Sometimes the songs influence the book and sometimes it’s the other way around, but either way the playlist eventually comes to epitomize the feeling of the book to me."

Christina Henry[25]

Several urban fantasy authors cite music as an inspiration. On their official Websites, certain writers recommend numerous songs (or "playlists") which can be listened to while reading portions of their novels. In addition, authors such as Courtney Allison Moulton, Jaye Wells, and Sarah J. Maas have linked to services which offer such tracks.[26][27] Publishers have also used music for book videos, including the trailer for Carrie Jones's Captivate, which features the work of songwriter Derek Daisey.[28][29]

Original music is also produced. In 2010, musicians Alexandra Monir, Michael Bearden, and Heather Holley (a songwriter for Christina Aguilera's Stripped) collaborated to create songs for Monir's debut novel, Timeless.[30]

Video

Book trailers are commonly used to promote urban fantasy novels.[31] Publishers such as HarperCollins also produce regular video interviews with debuting authors.[32]

Comics and manga

Adaptations of urban fantasy novels have appeared in comic books and manga. Among the tales to be adapted are Laurell K. Hamilton's Anita Blake series,[33] Patricia Briggs's Mercy Thompson stories,[34] and Melissa Marr's Wicked Lovely.[35]

History

According to Library Journal, "traditional urban fantasy" arose as an acknowledged sub-genre in the late 1980s and early '90s.[36] Several publications and writers have cited authors such as Laurell K. Hamilton and Kim Harrison as notable contributors to the genre. Entertainment Weekly,[37] USA Today,[38] and Time[9] have recognized the longevity and influence of Hamilton's stories, while The New York Times[39] and Amazon.com[40] have noted the work of Kim Harrison. Author Courtney Allison Moulton has cited Hamilton's early works among her inspirations.[41] Kelly Gay has noted Hamilton, Harrison, and Emma Bull as primary influences.[42]

Urban fantasy authors

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c Schuyler, Alice (October 13, 2009). "Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance". musicaltales.com. http://musicaltales.com/fantasycommunity/urbanfantasybooks/urban-fantasy/. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  2. ^ a b c d "The Better Part of Darkness review". Publishers Weekly. http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-1-4391-0965-6. Retrieved April 11, 2011. 
  3. ^ a b "Deadtown by Nancy Holzner". Publishers Weekly. http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-441-01813-0. Retrieved April 11, 2011. 
  4. ^ Vaughn, Carrie. "Carrie's Analysis of Urban Fantasy Part II". archetypewriting.com. http://www.archetypewriting.com/articles/writing/CV_urban-fantasy2.htm. Retrieved December 28, 2010. 
  5. ^ Vaughn, Carrie. "Carrie's Analysis of Urban Fantasy Part III". archetypewriting.com. http://www.archetypewriting.com/articles/writing/CV_urban-fantasy3.htm. Retrieved December 28, 2010. 
  6. ^ a b Pagan, Bella (November 13, 2007). "Midnight is in fact coming to Orbit!". orbitbooks.net. http://www.orbitbooks.net/2007/11/13/midnight-is-in-fact-coming-to-orbit/. Retrieved November 5, 2010. 
  7. ^ Weiss, Sabrina (August 18, 2009). "Cassandra Clare Exclusive". mtv.com. http://hollywoodcrush.mtv.com/2010/08/18/cassandra-clare-clockwork-angel-book-trailer/. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  8. ^ a b Miller, Laura (January 23, 2009). "A guide to vampire fiction with real bite". salon.com. http://www.salon.com/books/feature/2009/06/23/vampire_fiction/. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  9. ^ a b Cruz, Gilbert (October 30, 2008). "Q&A:Vampire Novelist Laurell K. Hamilton". time.com. http://www.time.com/time/arts/article/0,8599,1854991,00.html. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  10. ^ "Black Magic Sanction overview". barnesandnoble.com. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Black-Magic-Sanction/Kim-Harrison/e/9780061138034. Retrieved May 23, 2010. 
  11. ^ a b "Once Bitten, Twice Shy review". powells.com. October 2007. http://www.powells.com/biblio/1-9780316020466-0. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  12. ^ a b "About The Book: Dayhunter". harpercollins.com. http://www.harpercollins.com/books/9780061542831/Dayhunter/index.aspx?AA=books_SearchBooks_33719. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  13. ^ "About The Book: Destined for an Early Grave". harpercollins.com. http://www.harpercollins.com/books/Destined-Early-Grave-Jeaniene-Frost/?isbn=9780061583216?AA=index_authorIntro_32208. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  14. ^ "The Awakening review". lovevampires.com. http://www.lovevampires.com/katheawakening.html. Retrieved May 23, 2010. 
  15. ^ a b "About The Book: Unearthly". harperteen.com. http://www.harperteen.com/books/Unearthly-Cynthia-Hand/?isbn=9780061996160. Retrieved February 25, 2011. 
  16. ^ a b "Evermore". macmillan.com. http://us.macmillan.com/evermore. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  17. ^ Brennan, Marie (February 14, 2008). "Love triangulation". sfnovelists.com. http://www.sfnovelists.com/2008/02/14/love-triangulation/. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  18. ^ Brennan, Marie (November 29, 2007). "Love triangles". community.livejournal.com. http://community.livejournal.com/fangs_fur_fey/229475.html. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  19. ^ a b "Interview With Diana Peterfreund". angieville.blogspot.com. August 24, 2009. http://angieville.blogspot.com/2009/08/interview-with-diana-peterfreund.html. Retrieved May 23, 2010. 
  20. ^ "Marked". macmillan.com. http://us.macmillan.com/BookCustomPage.aspx?isbn=9780312360269#Excerpt. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  21. ^ a b "Book Review: Hourglass". bookfizz.com. http://www.bookfizz.com/stories/154513/Book_Review_Hourglass_by_Claudia_Gray_amp_Giveaway_of_Evernight.html. Retrieved May 23, 2010. 
  22. ^ a b "Fallen by Lauren Kate". randomhouse.com. http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780385738934. Retrieved February 3, 2010. 
  23. ^ a b "Need". bloomsburykids.com. http://www.bloomsburykids.com/books/catalog/need_pb_535. Retrieved January 20, 2010. 
  24. ^ Kay E. Vandergrift, [1], Female Coming-of-Age Stories
  25. ^ a b Henry, Christina (September 8, 2010). "On the importance of playlists". christinahenry.net. http://www.christinahenry.net/?p=192. Retrieved January 6, 2011. 
  26. ^ a b Moulton, Courtney. "The Playlist". courtneyallisonmoulton.com. http://www.courtneyallisonmoulton.com/playlist.html. Retrieved January 3, 2011. 
  27. ^ Wells, Jaye. "Extras". jayewells.com. http://jayewells.com/extras/. Retrieved January 3, 2011. 
  28. ^ "Captivate book trailer". bloomsburykids.com. http://www.bloomsburykids.com/node/8539. Retrieved January 3, 2011. 
  29. ^ Daisey, Derek. "Derek Daisey". myspace.com. http://www.myspace.com/ddaisey. Retrieved January 3, 2011. 
  30. ^ "Alexandra Monir News". alexandramonir.com. http://www.alexandramonir.com/en/box/news/. Retrieved January 3, 2011. 
  31. ^ Womack, Jack (January 25, 2010). "Book Trailers: Love ‘em? Hate ‘em?". orbitbooks.net. http://www.orbitbooks.net/2010/01/25/book-trailers-love-em-hate-em/. Retrieved January 3, 2011. 
  32. ^ a b "About The Book: Paranormalcy". HarperCollins. http://www.harperteen.com/books/Paranormalcy-Kiersten-White/?isbn=9780061985843?AA=about_RecentBooks_36776. Retrieved July 27, 2010. 
  33. ^ "Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter: The Laughing Corpse". goodreads.com. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6594497-anita-blake-vampire-hunter. Retrieved January 6, 2011. 
  34. ^ "Patricia Briggs' Mercy Thompson: Moon Called #1". comicbookresources.com. http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=preview&id=6454. Retrieved January 6, 2011. 
  35. ^ "Wicked Lovely: Desert Tales". goodreads.com. http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5069868-sanctuary. Retrieved January 6, 2011. 
  36. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z Donohue, Nanette Wargo (1 June 2008). "Collection Development "Urban Fantasy": The City Fantastic". Library Journal. http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA6561372.html. 
  37. ^ Garcia, Catherine (June 1, 2010). "Q&A: Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter author Laurell K. Hamilton". ew.com. http://shelf-life.ew.com/2010/06/01/qa-anita-blake-vampire-hunter-author-laurell-k-hamilton/. Retrieved March 6, 2011. 
  38. ^ Memmott, Carol (June 28, 2006). "Vampire stories are in this writer's blood". usatoday.com. http://www.usatoday.com/life/books/news/2006-06-28-chat-hamilton_x.htm. Retrieved March 6, 2011. 
  39. ^ Garner, Dwight (April 8, 2007). "TBR: Inside the List". nytimes.com. http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE2DF1130F93BA35757C0A9619C8B63. Retrieved March 6, 2011. 
  40. ^ "Editorial Reviews". amazon.com. http://www.amazon.com/Few-Demons-More-Hollows-Book/dp/product-description/0060788380. Retrieved March 6, 2011. 
  41. ^ "Interview with Courtney Allison Moulton, Debut Author of Angelfire". mundiemoms.blogspot.com. February 12, 2011. http://mundiemoms.blogspot.com/2011/02/interview-with-courtney-allison-moulton.html. Retrieved March 6, 2011. 
  42. ^ M, Sara (December 9, 2009). "Author Interview and Giveaway: Kelly Gay". urbanfantasyreader.blogspot.com. http://urbanfantasyreader.blogspot.com/2009/12/author-interview-and-giveaway-kelly-gay.html. Retrieved February 28, 2011. 
  43. ^ "Jennifer Lynn Barnes". randomhouse.com. http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=69151. Retrieved February 10, 2010. 
  44. ^ "The Demon's Lexicon: Book Summary & Video". books.simonandschuster.com. http://books.simonandschuster.com/Demon%27s-Lexicon/Sarah-Rees-Brennan/Demon%27s-Lexicon-Trilogy-The/9781416963790. Retrieved February 10, 2010. 
  45. ^ Campbell, Heather M.. School Library Journal 53(2007): 130.
  46. ^ "About the Book: Gone". harperteen.com. http://www.harperteen.com/books/9780061448768/Gone/index.aspx. Retrieved February 10, 2010. 
  47. ^ "About the Book: Moonlight". harperteen.com. http://www.harperteen.com/book/index.aspx?isbn=9780061709555. Retrieved December 22, 2009. 
  48. ^ "Interview - Author Tanya Huff". http://www.scifiguy.ca/2009/06/interview-author-tanya-huff.html. Retrieved 3 July 2009. 
  49. ^ "Review: The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge". publishersweekly.com. http://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-385-73829-3. Retrieved March 2, 2011. 
  50. ^ "About the Book: Wicked Lovely". harperteen.com. http://www.harperteen.com/books/9780061214653/Wicked_Lovely/index.aspx. Retrieved February 10, 2010. 
  51. ^ "October Daye Novels". seananmcguire.com. http://seananmcguire.com/toby.php. 
  52. ^ "SF Site The Sweet Scent of Blood". SF Site. 2009. http://sfsite.com/01b/sb288.htm. 
  53. ^ "Vampire buzz takes bite in Kirkland". Kirkland Reporter. 2009-12-21. http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/east_king/kir/lifestyle/79852562.html. 
  54. ^ "Three Days To Dead review". lovevampires.com. http://www.lovevampires.com/kmthreedaystodead.html. Retrieved January 6, 2011. 
  55. ^ "Urban Fantasy Round-up". http://www.bscreview.com/2010/06/urban-fantasy-mini-round-up-ilona-andrews-devon-monk-lynn-flewelling/. Retrieved 17 June 2010. 
  56. ^ "Publishers Marketplace: Jackson Pearce". publishersmarketplace.com. http://www.publishersmarketplace.com/members/JacksonPearce/. Retrieved February 10, 2010. 
  57. ^ Moore, Tammy. "Dead is the New Black review". greenmanreview.com. http://www.greenmanreview.com/book/book_perez_deadistehnewblack.html. Retrieved November 5, 2010. 
  58. ^ "Alex Craft Novels". penguingroup.com. http://www.kalayna.com/alexcraft.html. Retrieved February 25, 2010. 
  59. ^ Riordan, Rick. "Where did you get the idea for Percy Jackson?". pp. 1. http://www.rickriordan.com/index.php/about-the-author/an-interview-with-rick-riordan/where-did-you-get-the-idea-for-percy-jackson/. Retrieved 2009-05-17. 
  60. ^ Tim Davis (2009-09-13). "Dead To Me by Anton Strout". Bookloons.com. http://www.bookloons.com/cgi-bin/Review.asp?bookid=9247. 
  61. ^ "Mark Teppo Of Men and Magick...". fantasy-magazine.com. http://www.fantasy-magazine.com/2010/03/mark-teppo-of-men-and-magick/. Retrieved 2010-08-30. 
  62. ^ Pagan, Bella (June 3, 2008). "Deals and Deliveries". orbitbooks.net. http://www.orbitbooks.net/2008/06/03/deals-and-deliveries/. Retrieved April 28, 2010. 
  63. ^ "Dead Beautiful by Yvonne Woon". Kirkus Reviews. http://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/childrens-books/yvonne-woon/dead-beautiful/. Retrieved February 25, 2011. 

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