In the realm of speculative fiction, horror and dark urban fantasy often intersect, creating a literary landscape filled with magic, mystery, and fear. Both genres share a fascination with the supernatural and the unknown, but they diverge in their focus and intent. Horror seeks to elicit fear and dread in the reader, often focusing on…
Mike Carey’s Felix Castor series has left an indelible impact on the dark urban fantasy genre, inspiring a new wave of authors who craft enthralling supernatural noir tales. Yet, this remarkable series often remains overshadowed by more prominent urban fantasy titles. Some attribute this underappreciation to the similarities between Carey’s protagonist and the iconic John…
Dark urban fantasy, that tantalizing literary cocktail blending the grit and glamour of city life with a generous splash of magic and mayhem, has been bewitching readers for decades. It’s the literary equivalent of a night out on the town with an unpredictable, otherworldly companion — and who could resist that? One of the key…
WARNING: THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE CONTAINS SPOILERS. Prepare to enter the twisted and wondrous world of Clive Barker’s “Cabal,” a tale that takes us to the shadowy corners of horror and urban fantasy. For those unfamiliar with Clive Barker, he’s a master of the macabre, an author, and filmmaker who has left an indelible mark on…
Urban fantasy – a genre that marries the humdrum with the hocus-pocus, the quotidian with the quixotic, and the lattes with the levitation. So, what is it about urban fantasy that enchants readers the world over, transforming them into dedicated bibliophiles? In this article, we’ll embark on a mystical journey through the defining traits, beloved…
Some matches are made in heaven, others are made in the murky, smoke-filled corners of a dimly lit dive bar where supernatural creatures and hardened criminals alike drown their sorrows. That’s the kind of love story we’ve got here, folks. Dark urban fantasy and crime fiction, two genres that have always flirted with each other,…
Have you ever daydreamed about running wild with a snarky, half-angel hitman who’s clawed his way out of Hell, only to wind up smack dab in the middle of the City of Angels? If you’re nodding your head and grinning like a maniac, then you’re in for one hell of a wicked ride. Richard Kadrey’s…
Have you ever caught yourself secretly rooting for a character who seems to be walking a tightrope between right and wrong? If so, chances are you’ve been enticed by the allure of an antihero – a protagonist who deviates from the cookie-cutter qualities of your typical, shiny hero. These complex and intriguing characters are the…
Picture this: it’s the 90s, I’m an angst-ridden teenager with a penchant for all things moody and misunderstood. Amid the sea of grunge music and flannel, I stumble upon a hidden gem in the dusty aisles of my local library – “Lost Souls” by Poppy Z. Brite. The tantalizing blurb promises a tale that’s equal…