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 Constantine. However, it’s crucial to understand that the urban fantasy genre, like any other, is built on tropes. Comparing characters within a genre is inevitable, but it doesn’t diminish the uniqueness each author brings to their work.

In genres like thrillers or romance, protagonists often share striking similarities, yet they are seldom criticized for it. It’s the authors’ distinctive interpretation of these tropes that set their stories apart.

Mike Carey expertly exemplifies this approach with Felix Castor. He took the supernatural detective character trope and infused it with his own creative flair, as he did with Constantine when writing for Hellblazer.

The Felix Castor series truly stands out as a gem in the world of supernatural noir. Let’s dive deeper into what sets it apart and makes it a must-read for urban fantasy enthusiasts.

Felix Castor and What Sets Him Apart From Other Urban Fantasy Protagonists

At the core of the Felix Castor series lies its enigmatic protagonist, Felix Castor, a freelance exorcist and supernatural detective who navigates the perilous realms of dark urban fantasy. Unlike the archetypal hero, Castor is a morally complex character, battling his own demons, both literal and figurative. His intricate nature distinguishes him from many other genre protagonists, providing readers with an enthralling and novel perspective on the urban fantasy realm.

Defying Stereotypes

One of the factors that sets Felix Castor apart from other urban fantasy characters is his departure from typical genre stereotypes. While many protagonists in urban fantasy, like Harry Dresden from “The Dresden Files” or Atticus O’Sullivan from “The Iron Druid Chronicles,” possess an innate sense of righteousness or a clear-cut moral compass, Castor’s motivations are more nuanced. His past haunts him, his relationships are strained, and his decisions are often driven by pragmatism rather than idealism. This complexity enriches the character and allows for a more engaging exploration of the themes in the series.

For instance, in “The Devil You Know,” the first book of the series, Castor takes on a case to exorcise a ghost from a museum, driven primarily by financial necessity rather than a desire for justice or to protect the innocent. As the story unfolds, Castor is confronted with moral dilemmas that challenge his pragmatic approach. His wavering moral compass becomes a recurring theme throughout the series, as he frequently has to balance his own needs against the greater good.

In “Vicious Circle,” the second installment, Castor’s past comes back to haunt him when he is tasked with finding the ghost of a missing woman. The case not only dredges up unresolved guilt from his past but also forces him to navigate the complicated dynamics of his relationship with his demonically-possessed friend, Rafi. Castor’s choices in this novel are motivated by a mix of personal loyalty, guilt, and pragmatism, further emphasizing the complexity of his character.

Another example of Castor’s nuanced motivations can be found in “Dead Men’s Boots,” where he becomes embroiled in a seemingly unrelated series of supernatural cases. As he investigates these cases, he discovers that his actions may have inadvertently caused some of the problems he is now trying to solve. Castor’s struggle with the consequences of his choices and the realization that his well-intentioned actions can have disastrous repercussions adds further depth to his character and underscores the theme of moral ambiguity that permeates the series.

A Diverse Skill Set

Felix Castor’s unique abilities further differentiate him from other urban fantasy characters. Unlike many protagonists who wield magical powers or supernatural weaponry, Castor’s primary tool is his ability to exorcise ghosts and spirits through the use of music. This unconventional skill adds an intriguing layer to his character and forces him to rely on his wits and resourcefulness to solve cases and confront supernatural threats.

In “The Devil You Know,” Castor uses his tin whistle to coax a malevolent ghost from its hiding place within the Bonnington Archive, a museum in London. By playing a haunting melody, he establishes a connection with the spirit, allowing him to negotiate with it and ultimately persuade it to leave the premises. This innovative method of exorcism demonstrates Castor’s unique abilities and the creative problem-solving skills required to utilize them effectively.

In “Vicious Circle,” Castor’s musical exorcism skills are further showcased when he confronts a powerful and dangerous ghost in a cemetery. As he plays his tin whistle, the ghost becomes entranced by the music, enabling Castor to banish the spirit from the mortal realm. This scene highlights the potency of Castor’s unique abilities, as well as the risks involved in wielding such power.

“Thicker Than Water,” the fourth book in the series, offers another example of Castor’s unique musical abilities when he must exorcise a water demon that has taken residence in a flooded basement. By playing a hypnotic melody on his tin whistle, Castor lures the demon into a confrontation, allowing him to banish it from the building. This episode emphasizes Castor’s reliance on his wits and resourcefulness to confront supernatural threats, as well as the versatility of his musical exorcism skills.

Exploring Moral Ambiguity

Morally ambiguous characters are not entirely uncommon in urban fantasy, but the depth and intricacy of Castor’s character set him apart. For example, John Constantine from “Hellblazer” and Sandman Slim from Richard Kadrey’s series are both known for their morally grey actions. However, Castor’s internal struggles with guilt, regret, and redemption elevate his moral ambiguity to a level that allows readers to delve deeper into the complexities of his psyche. This exploration of the human condition and the consequences of one’s actions sets the Felix Castor series apart from its counterparts.

In “The Devil You Know,” Castor is hired to exorcise a ghost from a museum, and as he uncovers the truth behind the spirit’s existence, he’s faced with a moral dilemma. He must decide whether to banish the ghost, which would satisfy his client, or to help the spirit find justice for its untimely death. Castor’s decision-making process reveals his willingness to bend the rules for the greater good, highlighting his moral ambiguity.

“Vicious Circle” offers another example of Castor’s moral complexity when he is tasked with finding the ghost of a missing woman. While investigating, he learns that his actions may have inadvertently contributed to the woman’s tragic fate. Castor’s struggle to come to terms with the unintended consequences of his actions showcases the depth of his character and his internal battle with guilt and regret.

In “Thicker Than Water,” Castor faces yet another moral conundrum when he discovers that a close friend has been implicated in a series of supernatural murders. Torn between loyalty to his friend and his desire to uncover the truth, Castor is forced to confront his own moral compass and question his motivations. This situation highlights the multifaceted nature of Castor’s character and the moral dilemmas that permeate his life.

Relationship Dynamics

Another aspect that distinguishes Felix Castor from other urban fantasy protagonists is the nature of his relationships with other characters in the series. While many urban fantasy novels feature romantic subplots or tight-knit friendships, Castor’s relationships are more intricate and multifaceted. His interactions with his demonically-possessed friend Rafi, the enigmatic succubus Juliet, and his morally ambiguous associates add depth to the story and contribute to Castor’s character development.

In “Vicious Circle,” Castor’s relationship with Rafi, his former best friend, is a central aspect of the narrative. Rafi has been possessed by the demon Asmodeus, forcing Castor to confront both the emotional turmoil of their shared past and the dangers of dealing with a powerful demonic entity. This complex relationship adds a level of emotional depth to the story, as Castor is forced to navigate the treacherous waters of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption.

Juliet, the succubus who plays a prominent role throughout the series, is another character with whom Castor shares a multifaceted relationship. In “The Devil You Know,” Castor initially distrusts Juliet due to her demonic nature, but as the series progresses, they form an uneasy alliance. This evolving relationship is marked by a delicate balance of attraction, respect, and mutual dependency, illustrating the intricacy of Castor’s connections with other characters.

Castor’s morally ambiguous associates further contribute to the complexity of his relationships. For example, in “Dead Men’s Boots,” Castor works alongside the cold-blooded fixer Nicky Heath, whose ruthless methods often clash with Castor’s own moral code. Despite their differences, they form an uneasy partnership, highlighting the blurred lines between right and wrong in Castor’s world.

In “Thicker Than Water,” Castor encounters the enigmatic psychic, Jenna-Jane Mulbridge, who becomes both an ally and an adversary. Their unpredictable relationship adds tension to the story and challenges Castor’s perceptions of trust and loyalty.

World-Building in the Felix Castor Series

Carey’s alternate version of London, teeming with ghosts, demons, and other supernatural entities, is a rich and vivid backdrop for the series. This intricate world-building not only immerses readers in a fantastical setting but also expands the possibilities of dark urban fantasy, proving that the genre is ripe for exploration and experimentation.

In the Felix Castor series, Carey’s London is a city where the supernatural and the mundane coexist, creating a sense of tension and unpredictability. For example, in “The Devil You Know,” Castor’s investigation into a haunting at the Bonnington Archive reveals a secret network of ghostly inhabitants who have formed their own shadowy community within the city’s walls. This hidden world adds depth and intrigue to the story, drawing readers further into the complex and immersive setting.

Carey’s depiction of supernatural entities is another aspect that enriches the world-building in the series. In “Vicious Circle,” readers encounter a diverse array of supernatural creatures, including a mysterious race of beings known as the loup-garous, who possess the ability to transform into animal forms. Carey’s unique take on these creatures, as well as his creation of original supernatural beings like the demon Asmodeus, demonstrates his willingness to push the boundaries of the genre and explore new ideas.

Additionally, Carey’s London is home to numerous supernatural hotspots, such as the Church of the Silver Cross in “Thicker Than Water,” which serves as a refuge for ghosts seeking sanctuary from the dangers of the spirit world. By weaving these locations into the narrative, Carey creates a rich and interconnected world that deepens the reader’s immersion in the story.

The series also delves into the political and social aspects of this alternate London, as seen in “Dead Men’s Boots,” where Castor uncovers a hidden war between rival factions of supernatural beings. This exploration of power dynamics and alliances adds another layer to the world-building, showcasing the potential for dark urban fantasy to engage with complex themes and social issues.

Legacy of the Felix Castor Series

The critical and commercial success of the Felix Castor series has cemented its place in the annals of dark urban fantasy. Its lasting impact on the genre is evident in the works of numerous contemporary authors, who continue to draw inspiration from Carey’s distinctive blend of supernatural horror and detective fiction.

One notable example of the series’ influence is Ben Aaronovitch’s “Rivers of London” series, which follows the exploits of a supernatural detective navigating the magical underworld of modern-day London. Like Carey’s Felix Castor, Aaronovitch’s protagonist, Peter Grant, is tasked with solving mysteries that often intertwine elements of the supernatural with traditional detective work. The “Rivers of London” series demonstrates how Carey’s unique fusion of genres has paved the way for other authors to explore similar narrative styles.

Paul Cornell’s “Shadow Police” series is another example of the lasting impact of the Felix Castor series. Cornell’s books revolve around a group of London police officers who become entangled in supernatural investigations. Similar to Castor, these characters must navigate a complex web of magical intrigue while confronting their own personal demons. The “Shadow Police” series showcases how Carey’s blend of supernatural horror and character-driven storytelling has influenced other authors to create multifaceted, engaging protagonists in a dark urban fantasy setting.

The legacy of the Felix Castor series is evident in the works of numerous contemporary authors who continue to draw inspiration from Carey’s distinctive blend of supernatural horror and detective fiction. By breaking boundaries and pushing the limits of the dark urban fantasy genre, Mike Carey has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape and inspired a new generation of authors to explore the exciting possibilities that urban fantasy has to offer.