r/urbanfantasy

I’ve been binge-reading the whole series while I’m on vacation and while I really loved the first 4-5 books in the series (save for Artificial Night which was just Crossroads of Twilight level bad) the more I’ve continued on the more I’ve gradually been falling out of love with it.

I do still love the fae world-building - this really makes it stand out amongst all other urban fantasy series - and certain supporting characters like Simon and Evening have had amazing arcs (Simon has a really well done redemption story like Spike in Buffy while Evening is such a consistently fun and unpredictable villain).

The recapping though is really starting to become grating it’s taking up an increasing amount of each book, a lot of the characters are becoming parodies of themselves (especially the Luidaeg; that Poor Unfortubate Souls karaoke scene in The Brightest Fell was such cringe), the plots and character dynamics are becoming too repetitive.

I’m kinda skimming through the last few books now while my minds been mostly occupied by Dresden Files theorycrafting

I don’t know if I’m really asking for the right thing? I love dark fantasy romance from the perspective of plot: murdery, stabby stalkery type stuff usually seen in the darker fantasy books. Complex magical plots, super dangerous characters.

I just really am not getting on with one completely irredeemable party and a doormat and would like to avoid recommendations where that happens at all costs.

I love where they are both equally unhinged, into some fucked up shit or like very morally grey (will take pitch black). Most dark romances, even fantasy seem to read: super horrible MMC, does unforgivable things, FMC forgives. I’m not a fan of the stereotypical partner that is naive, super inexperienced, a doormat (especially in the bedroom), just gets repeatedly hurt and forgives, is only 18 and has no experience or is thrown in the deep end. I want an older MC that has some life experience, isn’t just floundering and relying on the super experienced love interest.

I need them to be equals; even if that means they are both super morally grey 😂. I also love them being obsessed cinnamon rolls (that might get a little stabby), with absolutely no betrayal or dickhesd behaviour but the wider plot is super dark?

Not into massive age gaps (Looking at you, 18year old catching the eye of a thousand year old elf), captive/kidnapping, no cheating, no completely clueless main character.

I don’t mind MF/ MFM/ MMF/ FF or any variant there of.

Plot must be plotting, and fun/good magical world building.

Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated 🖤🫶🏻🖤🫶🏻🖤

Hi I know this is a very specific ask but it’s been the genre I’ve really enjoyed the most lately. I love something with a strong plot focus, but has a gay MMC/romance as a smaller secondary element.

So for instance, I enjoyed the hell out of Kai Butler’s San Amaro Investigations series. Right now I’m on the last book of Hailey Turner’s Soulbound series.

While it’s not MM I also really enjoyed the Iron Druid Chronicles and Ink and Sigil series, both by Kevin Hearne.

Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you!

I’m looking for urban fantasy recommendations, particularly authors or series that might appeal to someone who loved Patricia Briggs.

I’ve read all of Briggs’ books and absolutely loved them. What I enjoy most about her writing is the combination of strong characterization, engaging supernatural plots, well-developed secondary characters, and romance that feels like an important part of the story without completely overshadowing everything else.
I especially loved the Alpha & Omega series. I really enjoy following one central couple and watching their relationship develop over time, particularly the way Charles and Anna gradually understand their bond and navigate all of its complications. I also love the pack dynamics and the sense that the larger supernatural community is an important part of the story rather than simply background.

So I’m particularly interested in:

• supernatural/urban fantasy with strong character development
• pack or group dynamics and a sense of community
• werewolves or shifters, although I’m absolutely open to other supernatural creatures
• a well-developed central romance, preferably one that develops over multiple books
• a strong overarching plot and worldbuilding

I’ve already read Ilona Andrews, so I’d love recommendations from other authors.

I’m also completely fine with darker or more complex storylines. In fact, I tend to prefer urban fantasy that leans darker, more emotionally intense, or explores heavier themes. I don’t mind violence, morally gray characters, or darker aspects of the supernatural world as long as the characters and story are well written.

Any recommendations?

Beneath the Blood Moon: A Pure Blood Reckoning - Dark Fantasy Book Trailer

I created a short cinematic teaser for my dark‑fantasy novel, focusing on atmosphere, emotion, and worldbuilding rather than plot details. The video shows my main character inside a stone chamber reading a letter that changes everything, followed by a blood‑red moon rising over a ruined city; no spoilers - just a glimpse into the tone and aesthetic of the world.

If you enjoy dark fantasy with secrets, ancient power, and a world built on buried truths, this might be your vibe.

Book Link:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FK2ZWHD9

Website:
https://taglenn.carrd.co/

Mailing List:
https://mailchi.mp/a9b6ce72c001/beneath-the-blood-moon-a-pure-blood-reckoning (mailchi.mp in Bing)

Ko‑fi:
https://ko-fi.com/taglenn

Greetings! I'm driving myself crazy trying to find this book. Here's what I know:

BOOK/AUTHOR:

- the cover wasn't flashy or corny, maybe grayish, no animation, not sure there were people on the cover.

-it was written as a standalone, not an obvious beginning of a series

- it was by a popular author I didn't associate with vampire/paranormal

PLOT:

- Features a female lead who is a witch working with magical law enforcement. They think this known/notorious vampire that lives in the city or recently arrived killed someone (a witch?) or several someones.

-The vampire insists he didn't do it and after finding evidence she believes him.

- at some point she stays in his house to keep an eye on him, she uses runes or her power to keep him out of her room and in his space so he can't leave the house.

- at some point they get a lead and end up in a park where a male witch has stopped time or frozen everyone and is threatening to kill all the humans surrounding them

-obviously they fall in love and sexy times happen before he is cleared/in the midst of him being cleared

I def could be mixing up books and plots so any suggestions that ring out are helpful

it's NOT because the night by Kylie Scott OR Born in Fire series by KF Breene

If you know what book this is PLEASE HELP ME and I will be forever grateful.

If there's additional places to post this that would be helpful, I would be grateful for suggestions.

Thanks!

Okay, please tell me there are other total lore/mythology nerds here who get absolutely obsessed with absolutely bizarre mythical creatures?

I am so tired of seeing the same three monsters in urban fantasy. (I do not mean any offense to them; I know enough about them and even talk about them in my own series I write.)

I want to talk about the absolute weirdest, most obscure legends out there.

Like, can we please talk about the Gallywampus? Or the Alabatwitch? Or Carbuncles; they are small little creatures with gems in their heads.

Please tell me I am not the only one doing 2 am deep dives into lore from some backwater town from the 1820s or something.

Drop your favorite obscure monsters below; I want no, need to hear ALL about them; this is literally my fix.

I am watching Cast a Deadly Spell again for the umpteenth time and want to know of other really good UF noir series set in the 30s or 40s like City of Devils by Justin Robinson or Arcane Casebook by Dan Willis.

Current series read include:

The Dresden Files
The Iron Druid Chronicles
The Hellequin Novels
The Demon Accords
The Alex Verus Novels
The Night Watch/Day Watch
Codex Alera
Paranoid Mage
John Charming
Felix Castor
Sandman Slim
The Witcher
Rivers of London
The Avalon/Rebellion Chronicles
1 x Eric Carter (necromancer) Novel

Full disclosure, I’m partial to male MC’s.

Please and thank you in advance everybody!