Sunday, September 30, 2012

Why Some Struggle with Urban Fantasy Novels



Urban Fantasy is the sub-genre I read the most. I wouldn't say it's my favorite, but there's something about it that makes me gravitate towards my UF reading pile while searching for my next read. It's a sub-genre that is far from perfect, but it keeps delivering me with what I need, even when I keep complaining about certain aspects.

The thing I lament the most though, is how various of my reviewer friends don't seem to care much for Urban Fantasy, and in many instances for good reason. Even when I stumble onto a novel I really like I very much hesitate to recommend it to them.

With that in mind, I invited about a handful of them to share their experiences with Urban Fantasy, in particular trying to explore why they dislike the sub-genre, the reasons why they don't read or barely read it, etc. All this in the hopes of maybe exploring how the sub-genre is missing out on a good chunk of potential fantasy readers that for one reason or another Urban Fantasy is not connecting with.

Maybe it'll lead to some self-exploration of the sub-genre, maybe it'll lead to some good discussion, maybe it'll lead to some bickering, or maybe it'll not provide anything much more than some fun venting from a few readers. At the very least, it'll illuminate to me an ongoing curiosity of why some of my reviewer friends seem to avoid Urban Fantasy novels.

Through the coming weeks there'll be various guest posts from these individuals, and I hope some of you guys stop by and read what they have to say. And if any you is interested in providing an on-topic guest post, feel free to contact me, and we'll work out the details.

First guest post will be this Wednesday, titled "The Achilles Heel of Urban Fantasy" which focuses on world building.

12 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great idea. Looking forward to reading the posts.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm looking forward to seeing what others have to say on the subject.

    Myself, I enjoy urban fantasy, but tend to shy away from it because all too often, urban fantasy is synonymous with paranornal romance. And I dislike books that focus a lot of romance. Throw some in as a spice to the story, sure, but when the rest of the plot seems to do nothing but serve as potential conflict to get between two characters getting it on, or causing UST, I get bored quickly. So as much as I can enjoy the genre, I don't read that much of it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great idea Bastard! I'll be looking forward to reading what folks have to say.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Wow, I'm first up. Flattered. We'll see if I start things off right! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. First come first serve :P

      But, coincidentally a good one to start things off.

      Delete
  5. As a person who has written UF that isn't paranormal romance, I'll be looking forward to these posts.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I can't wait to read these posts. I love Urban Fantasy, but am having my own issues with Urban Fantasy Romance. I like my UF less romancy. However, if the book is clearly touted as UFR and I know what to expect, I don't mind as much.

    ReplyDelete
  7. I really enjoy a good UF. I've been reading it since before it was even called that (Mercedes Lackey had a series out years ago, Holly Lisle, Ellen Guon...and so on). BUT, these days if there's any paranormal element in the story, it seems publishers like to classify it UF. I read a mystery that had a lady who could sort of communicate with cats. It was a mystery, not a UF (to me). The ability didn't even really come in until the second half and felt rather pasted in. Maybe I just don't consider it UF because it wasn't that well written.

    Then there's the whole paranormal romance which is sometimes called UF. And I do read both so I don't have a problem with it--I just wish it were labeled better because sometimes I'm not really in the mood for a book whose pacing and purpose is primarily on the romance.

    So, in long, I'm looking forward to reading the columns.

    ReplyDelete
  8. P.S. I hate that cover and the previous cover for the zombie books. But I don't particularly care to read a main who is a zombie either. Yeah. I know. Shallow of me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't care for zombies either, but I love these covers, and the books are quite enjoyable :)

      Delete
  9. Oh I'm looking forward to the bickering! ;P But yes, I have my troubles as much as I love the genre, which we've talked on several times. :) Look forward to hearing these.

    ReplyDelete

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...