What makes a book urban fantasy?
Urban fantasy puts the supernatural in conversation with a recognizable world. Magic might be hidden behind an ordinary storefront, woven into a city’s history, or suddenly impossible for everyone to ignore. An investigation is a common way into that world, but the genre has room for dragons, fae, secret societies, and conflicts much bigger than one case.
The edges can get interesting. The Midnight Front, for example, brings occult conflict into a historical setting rather than the present day. If you want more background on how wide the subgenre can be, Penguin Random House’s guide to urban fantasy traces several of its influential books.
Is urban fantasy the same as paranormal romance?
The genres can share witches, vampires, fae, and contemporary settings. The difference is usually which story takes the lead. In paranormal romance, the developing relationship is central. In urban fantasy, the investigation, supernatural conflict, or character’s place in a hidden world generally drives the plot—even when there’s romance too.
If the relationship is what you want most, browse our fantasy romance books. If you want magic in settings especially close to the world outside your window, try our separate guide to urban fantasy books set in the real world.
Want a series you can settle into?
Several picks here open the door to a longer story. Rosemary and Rue begins Seanan McGuire’s October Daye books, Nice Dragons Finish Last starts Rachel Aaron’s Heartstrikers series, and Ink & Sigil begins Kevin Hearne’s series of the same name. You can check the October Daye books, the Heartstrikers starting point, and Ink & Sigil on the authors’ sites before committing your TBR to another series.
More ways to find your next fantasy book
Want a story that leaves the familiar world behind altogether? Our portal fantasy guide takes a different route. You can also browse the Apropos urban fantasy collection for more posts.
If you’d rather have book finds come to you, get daily eBook deals from Apropos Books and choose fantasy among the genres you like to read.
Urban fantasy books: common questions
Does urban fantasy have to be set in a city?
No. Cities are common, but the appeal is the meeting of a recognizable world and supernatural forces. Some stories also move between everyday places and hidden realms.
Are urban fantasy books usually mysteries?
Many use an investigation to introduce the rules of their magical world, but a mystery isn’t required. The central story could also involve a supernatural conflict, a hidden community, or someone discovering what they can do.
Can urban fantasy have romance?
Yes. Romance can be part of urban fantasy while the magic, danger, or investigation remains the main focus.
