Urban fantasy continues to captivate readers with its blend of magical elements and modern settings. The genre’s ability to weave the supernatural into contemporary life offers a unique reading experience. If you’re looking for authors who are shaping the future of urban fantasy, here are some of the best writers to follow right now.
1. Jim Butcher
Notable Works: The Dresden Files series
Jim Butcher is a staple in the urban fantasy genre, known for his Dresden Files series featuring Harry Dresden, a wizard detective in Chicago. Butcher’s novels are celebrated for their clever plot twists, rich world-building, and engaging characters.
Why Follow: Butcher’s work is essential for any urban fantasy fan due to its successful integration of magical and detective elements, creating a compelling blend of mystery and fantasy.
2. Patricia Briggs
Notable Works: Mercy Thompson series, Alpha & Omega series
Patricia Briggs has gained acclaim for her Mercy Thompson and Alpha & Omega series. Her novels feature a mix of supernatural beings including werewolves and fae, and are known for their strong female protagonists and intricate plots.
Why Follow: Briggs’ ability to craft detailed fantasy worlds and relatable characters makes her work a must-read for fans of urban fantasy with a focus on character development and magical intrigue.
3. Ilona Andrews
Notable Works: Kate Daniels series, Hidden Legacy series
The writing duo Ilona Andrews has made a significant impact with their Kate Daniels and Hidden Legacy series. Their stories are known for their complex world-building, action-packed plots, and unique takes on magical creatures and futuristic settings.
Why Follow: Andrews’ inventive storytelling and engaging characters offer a fresh perspective on urban fantasy, blending elements of science fiction and fantasy seamlessly.
4. N.K. Jemisin
Notable Works: The City We Became, The Broken Earth trilogy
N.K. Jemisin is renowned for her innovative storytelling and thought-provoking themes. While her Broken Earth trilogy leans towards epic fantasy, The City We Became is a standout urban fantasy novel exploring themes of identity and cultural conflict through a magical lens.
Why Follow: Jemisin’s ability to integrate social issues and imaginative worlds into her narratives provides a unique and enriching reading experience.
5. Cassandra Clare
Notable Works: The Mortal Instruments series, The Infernal Devices series
Cassandra Clare is well-known for her The Mortal Instruments and The Infernal Devices series. Her books are set in an elaborate world of Shadowhunters and magical creatures, featuring complex characters and intricate plots.
Why Follow: Clare’s expansive world-building and character-driven stories make her novels essential for readers who enjoy epic fantasy with modern twists.
6. Charles Stross
Notable Works: The Laundry Files series
Charles Stross blends urban fantasy with elements of horror and espionage in his Laundry Files series. His novels are known for their dark humor and inventive plots that explore a bureaucratic world of magic and cosmic horror.
Why Follow: Stross’ unique approach to urban fantasy, incorporating themes of bureaucracy and cosmic dread, offers a refreshing and often humorous take on the genre.
7. Kelly Link
Notable Works: Pretty Monsters, Get in Trouble
Kelly Link’s work blends urban fantasy with magical realism. Her short story collections, such as Pretty Monsters and Get in Trouble, feature fantastical elements set in everyday contexts, showcasing her distinctive storytelling style.
Why Follow: Link’s imaginative and unconventional approach to urban fantasy makes her work stand out, offering a different flavor of magic and modern life.
8. Robin Hobb
Notable Works: The Farseer Trilogy, The Liveship Traders series
Robin Hobb is celebrated for her epic fantasy novels, but her Liveship Traders series incorporates urban fantasy elements with its rich world-building and magical intrigue. Her stories often explore political dynamics and personal growth within fantastical settings.
Why Follow: Hobb’s detailed and immersive worlds, combined with her deep character exploration, provide a compelling reading experience for urban fantasy fans.
9. Jaye Wells
Notable Works: Sabina Kane series
Jaye Wells’ Sabina Kane series offers a mix of urban fantasy and paranormal elements, featuring a half-demon protagonist navigating a world of vampires, witches, and magical politics. Her fast-paced plots and sharp humor make her work engaging and entertaining.
Why Follow: Wells’ action-packed narratives and distinctive characters make her novels a great choice for readers who enjoy urban fantasy with a darker edge.
10. Holly Black
Notable Works: The Folk of the Air series, The Wicked King
Holly Black’s The Folk of the Air series explores a world of faeries and magic, blending urban fantasy with elements of political intrigue and dark romance. Her novels are known for their lush world-building and complex characters.
Why Follow: Black’s skillful world-building and ability to blend dark fantasy with contemporary elements offer a captivating and immersive reading experience.
Conclusion
The urban fantasy genre is rich with diverse voices and imaginative storytelling. From Jim Butcher’s wizard detective to N.K. Jemisin’s innovative takes on magical realism, these authors are at the forefront of the genre, delivering captivating stories and unique perspectives. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to urban fantasy, following these authors will ensure you stay engaged with some of the best and most exciting reads in the genre.