Books matching: gritty urban fantasy
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- #1
Save:"Working for the Devil" in the series 'Dante Valentine' by Lilith Saintcrow is an urban fantasy novel set in a futuristic world where the protagonist, Dante Valentine, is a Necromance hired by the Devil himself to track down a missing demon. Dante, accompanied by a demon named Jaf, embarks on a dangerous journey filled with intrigue, betrayal, and supernatural elements. The story is action-packed, with a strong female lead, unique magical elements, and a complex plot that keeps readers engaged from the beginning.
The writing style of the book is fast-paced and engaging, with a mix of futuristic elements, urban fantasy, and paranormal themes. The plot unfolds smoothly, blending elements of magic, crime, and supernatural creatures seamlessly into Dante's world. The characters are well-defined, with Dante portrayed as a tough and resilient protagonist who navigates through a dark and intriguing alternate reality, facing challenges and uncovering mysteries along the way.
I wanted to walk to Gabe's, and the demon had no preference either way. So we walked. The rain had stopped, and the pavement gleamed wet. At least it wasn't dark-moon—that would have been bad all the... - #2
Save:'Sandman Slim' is a gritty and dark fantasy novel that follows the story of James Stark, also known as Sandman Slim, who returns to Los Angeles after surviving eleven years in Hell. Seeking revenge on those who betrayed him and killed his girlfriend, Stark navigates a world filled with monsters, demons, angels, and magic. The writing style of the book is described as fast-paced, action-packed, and filled with dark humor, making it a thrilling and engaging read for fans of urban fantasy and modern noir.
Personally, I don’t have anything against shroud eaters. They’re just another kind of addict in a city of addicts. Since most of them started out as civilians, the percentage of decent vampires to com... - #3
Save:In "Low Town" by Daniel Polansky, readers are introduced to a gritty urban fantasy world where the main character, Warden, navigates the criminal underworld as a drug dealer and part-time user. When he is drawn into investigating a murder that the authorities want to ignore, he finds himself entangled in a larger, sordid plan. The book combines elements of crime novel and fantasy, with a touch of noir, creating a unique and captivating story that keeps readers engaged with its dark and compelling atmosphere.
The writing style in "Low Town" is described as smart, gritty, and entertaining, with a blend of fantasy and noir that works surprisingly well. Polansky's narrative weaves together elements of classic pulps, vivid violence, and morally complex characters, resulting in a story that is both darkly atmospheric and engaging. The book offers a fresh take on the fantasy genre by incorporating noir elements and a realistic portrayal of a city where crime and violence reign, making it a standout in the genre.
In the opening days of the Great War, on the battlefields of Apres and Ives, I acquired the ability to abandon slumber with the flutter of an eyelid. It was a necessary adaptation, as heavy sleepers w... - #4
Save:'Cursed Moon' in the 'Prospero's War' series by Jaye Wells follows Detective Kate Prospero, who is also an Adept capable of using magic to create potions. The story delves into Kate's struggles with her past, including a tragic accident that led her to swear off magic. As a part of the Magical Enforcement Agency, Kate faces challenges related to magical potions that mirror real-world drug issues. The plot intensifies as a dangerous threat emerges during a rare Blue Moon, leading Kate to confront her inner demons and make difficult choices to protect her city and loved ones.
The writing style of 'Cursed Moon' is characterized by a mix of action-packed sequences and character-driven moments. Readers are drawn into Kate's world through her complex relationships with her partner, friends, and family. The narrative expertly weaves together elements of urban fantasy and police procedural, creating a gritty and engaging story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
- #5
Save:'King Rat' by China Mieville is a dark urban fantasy novel that presents a modern twist on the Pied Piper of Hamelin tale. The story follows Saul Garamond, who discovers he is half rat, half man, and is drawn into a hidden world beneath the streets of London. As he navigates this mysterious realm, Saul must confront the Rat Catcher and his ability to resist the lure of the Pied Piper's music. Set against the backdrop of London's Drum and Bass music scene, the narrative unfolds with vivid descriptions of the gritty city and its underground subculture.
Mieville's writing style in 'King Rat' is described as imaginative, fast-paced, and filled with delightful language and vivid imagery. The author skillfully blends elements of fantasy and suspense, creating a story that is both demented fairy tale and urban thriller. Through his use of vernacular and descriptive prose, Mieville sets a dark and atmospheric tone, drawing readers into a world where ancient struggles collide with modern-day London.
The trains that enterLondon arrive like ships sailing across the roofs. They pass between towers jutting into the sky like long-necked sea beasts and the great gas-cylinders wallowing in dirty scrub l... - #6
Save:In "Unholy Ghosts" by Stacia Kane, readers are introduced to a dark and gritty world where the Church has taken over after a ghost invasion kills thousands. The protagonist, Chess, is a lonely drug addict who works for the Church as a Debunker, tasked with proving or debunking claims of ghosts haunting people. As Chess navigates a dangerous case involving her drug dealer's ghost problem, she finds herself entangled in a complex web of deceit and danger, all set in a post-apocalyptic society where the Church preaches the Truth - that there are no gods, only Truth.
The book delves deep into themes of addiction, trauma, survival, and the intricacies of human relationships in a bleak and unforgiving world. With a unique blend of urban fantasy, dark elements, and intricate character development, "Unholy Ghosts" presents a compelling story that keeps readers on the edge of their seats, exploring the complexities of morality, loyalty, and self-discovery.
Had the man in front of her not already been dead, Chess probably would have tried to kill him. Damned ghosts. A year and a half she’d gone without having to deal with one—the best Debunking record in... - #7
Save:The Long Way Down by Craig Schaefer is a dark and gritty urban fantasy set in Las Vegas, following the story of magician and private investigator Daniel Faust as he delves into a case involving murder, soul theft, and an ancient box with supernatural powers. The book is described as a thrilling page-turner with intricate plot twists, vivid world-building, and a cast of complex characters, including Faust's occult friends and the succubus love interest, Caitlin. The writing style is praised for its noir setting, original magic system involving playing cards, and the balance between dark themes and light humor.
We sat in a booth in the back of Tiki Pete’s, a seedy diner four blocks east of the Vegas Strip. I doubted the place would survive a health inspection, but the grimy windows and the backwater street k... - #8
Save:"Child of Fire" by Harry Connolly is an urban fantasy novel that follows ex-convict Ray Lilly, who is working as an assistant to the sorcerous hitman, Annalise. Together, they are tasked with tracking down and destroying dangerous spellbooks to prevent unwanted attention from malevolent forces. Set in the town of Hammer Bay, the story unfolds with a mix of horror and mystery, as Ray and Annalise uncover dark secrets and face supernatural threats. The writing style is described as gritty and fast-paced, with a focus on action and tension, keeping readers engaged from the first page.
Connolly's novel is praised for its unique take on urban fantasy, incorporating elements of horror and suspense into a modern setting where magic is dangerous and unpredictable. The dynamic between the main characters, Ray and Annalise, is a highlight, with their complex relationship adding depth to the storyline. The plot is driven by a mix of small-town corruption, werewolf subplots, and Lovecraftian horror, creating a dark and immersive atmosphere that keeps readers on edge throughout the narrative.
The van rumbled like a garbage truck, handled like a refrigerator box, and needed a full minute to reach highway speeds. I’d driven better, but I’m a guy who has to take what I can get while I’m still... - #9
Save:'London Falling' by Paul Cornell is a dark and gritty urban fantasy police procedural novel that follows a team of police detectives who gain the ability to see the supernatural side of London after encountering a ritual crime scene. The story delves into the investigation of mysterious deaths related to ancient witchcraft practices and a centuries-old football feud, blending elements of horror and police procedural with a touch of the supernatural. The writing style is fast-paced, compelling, and filled with intricate details that intertwine the complex lives of the detectives with the eldritch magic they uncover.
Costain entered the service station and stopped when he saw Quill standing there, not even pretending to look at the chocolate bars displayed in front of him. Costain headed for the toilets, and Quill... - #10
Save:'Guilty Pleasures' by Laurell K. Hamilton is the first book in the Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter series. The story follows Anita Blake, an animator who raises zombies and works as a police consultant in a world where vampires, weres, and other supernatural beings coexist with humans. Anita gets entangled in solving a series of vampire murders, and as she navigates the dangerous supernatural underworld, she faces challenges, moral dilemmas, and threats from both vampires and fellow vampire hunters. The plot development is akin to traditional sleuth stories, but with a paranormal twist, involving clues, dead ends, and a central mystery that keeps the reader engaged.
The writing style of 'Guilty Pleasures' is described as dark, gritty, and addictive by readers. The book offers a mix of humor, mystery, and supernatural elements, creating an interesting and engaging narrative. Anita Blake emerges as a strong, complex protagonist, combining elements of sleuthing, vampire hunting, and dealing with the challenges of her unique profession. The book introduces a world where vampires are commonplace, mysteries abound, and danger lurks at every corner, setting the stage for a thrilling urban fantasy series.
WILLIEMCCOY HAD been a jerk before he died. His being dead didn’t change that. He sat across from me, wearing a loud plaid sport jacket. The polyester pants were primary Crayola green. His short, blac...
