McAnally's (The Community Pub) > Author Craft
Are Readers Growing Tired of New Urban Fantasy?
Naomi:
The first UF book I recall reading was "Burning Water" by Mercedes Lackey, in 1989. At that time, I had never heard the phrase "urban fantasy."
I think the urban fantasy genre is growing stronger, rather than weaker. I am not disillusioned with the genre. I've seen a problem with the writing quality of some novels, more than the genre itself. A high quality, well written, UF novel flourishes, and then a number of poorly written knock-offs by other authors get published. This isn't something that happens solely with UF, though.
Overall, I think reader ennui is less with the genre, and more with the publishing of the same, or similar, story, over and over, without fresh characters, characterization, or good writing. I know better, yet I've been suckered into buying novels that had an interesting description, with some awesome cover art, only to discover that the writing is sub-par. That does happen less frequently since I can often view sample chapters online.
Enchantedwater:
I am a picky reader but as long as the story grips me the genre hardly matters.
LDWriter2:
I've read Water also and the next one. Even though I stopped reading "Jinx High". She is a good writer and story teller but it was getting too--not sure what dark isn't quite right.
(Oh BTW I'm new here. I've tried to get on before but the forum didn't seem to like my computer even after I registered.)
Anyway I shop at Barnes and Noble and by the number of UF books(They could have their own category) people are still reading them. And I hope so I have three UF novels I'm revising and a ten plus short stories. For some reason my Muse has grabbed hold of UF and won't let go. But I do think UF has changed. Some of it is more paranormal like Patricia Brigg's two series. Others are more Romance. They seem to go for the half human half something or another Main Characters now. Of course recently I picked up a new book that seems to be the Butcher type of UF. So it's still around.
--- Quote from: Naomi on May 15, 2012, 05:52:09 PM ---The first UF book I recall reading was "Burning Water" by Mercedes Lackey, in 1989. At that time, I had never heard the phrase "urban fantasy."
I think the urban fantasy genre is growing stronger, rather than weaker. I am not disillusioned with the genre. I've seen a problem with the writing quality of some novels, more than the genre itself. A high quality, well written, UF novel flourishes, and then a number of poorly written knock-offs by other authors get published. This isn't something that happens solely with UF, though.
Overall, I think reader ennui is less with the genre, and more with the publishing of the same, or similar, story, over and over, without fresh characters, characterization, or good writing. I know better, yet I've been suckered into buying novels that had an interesting description, with some awesome cover art, only to discover that the writing is sub-par. That does happen less frequently since I can often view sample chapters online.
--- End quote ---
OZ:
--- Quote ---Of course recently I picked up a new book that seems to be the Butcher type of UF. So it's still around.
--- End quote ---
And the name of this new book? I am always looking for more of "the Butcher type of UF" although I have seen enough threads on this subject to know that not everyone agrees on exactly what books are similar to his.
LDWriter2:
The title of the book is "Fated" by Benedict Jacka I haven't read it yet but the blurb on the back makes it sound like the right type.
Then there is "Urban Knight" I think is the title. It reads more like a UA UF.
And have you read the Dog Days series by John Levit?
Then there's half a dozen short stories by me. :)
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