Books matching: urban setting
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- #1
Save:A wildly inventive and timely urban fantasy that doubles as a fierce love letter to New York City - ambitious, imaginative, and full of attitude. It’s not for those seeking subtlety, but if you love bold takes and vibrant city magic, don’t miss it.
In The City We Became, N.K. Jemisin creates a fantastical tale where New York City's soul manifests into human avatars representing its five boroughs, each embodying the unique characteristics of their area. These avatars must come together to battle an ancient evil threatening the city, with themes of racism, diversity, and unity woven throughout the fast-paced narrative. The book is praised for its thrilling plot, diverse characters, and the homage it pays to the complexities of New York City, capturing both its flaws and its beauty.
Fucking city. I stand on the rooftop of a building I don’t live in and spread my arms and tighten my middle and yell nonsense ululations at the construction site that blocks my view. I’m really singin...2019•455 pages - #2
Save:A brilliantly original urban mystery with a wild concept that lingers in your mind, but be ready for more ideas and atmosphere than action or heart.
'The City & The City' by China Mieville is a unique murder mystery set in two intertwined cities, Beszel and Ul Qoma, where the residents are required to unsee each other despite sharing the same physical space. Inspector Tyador Borlu investigates a murder that blurs the boundaries between the cities, leading to a complex and intriguing narrative. The writing style is described as immersive and atmospheric, reminiscent of classic detective noir novels but with a fantastical twist that challenges the reader's perspective.
I COULD NOT SEE THE STREET or much of the estate. We were enclosed by dirt-coloured blocks, from windows out of which leaned vested men and women with morning hair and mugs of drink, eating breakfast...May 2009•384 pages - #3
Save:A dark, unsettling, and uniquely poetic horror classic - if you can handle disturbing vibes and don't need likeable characters, "The Cipher" is a one-of-a-kind trip into the abyss.
"The Cipher" by Kathe Koja is a horror novel that revolves around the discovery of a mysterious, pulsating hole in a storage room by Nicholas and his girlfriend Nakota. As they become obsessed with the hole, experimenting and exploring its depths, their lives and mental states deteriorate. The book delves into themes of nihilism, obsession, and the unknown, with a writing style that is described as visceral, bleak, and sometimes challenging to follow due to its stream of consciousness narrative.
Nakota, who saw it first: long spider legs drawn up beneath her ugly skirt, wise mouth pursed into nothing like a smile. Sitting in my dreary third-floor flat, on a dreary thrift shop chair, the windo...January 1991•356 pages - #4
Save:An urban fantasy classic that blends magical folklore, rock-and-roll, and '80s nostalgia into a heartfelt, imaginative adventure. Not perfect, but foundational - and a great pick for genre fans and music lovers.
'War for the Oaks' by Emma Bull is an urban fantasy novel set in Minneapolis that follows Eddi, a rock musician who gets entangled in a faerie war. The story revolves around Eddi's journey as she navigates the war between the Seelie and Unseelie courts, forming relationships with various faerie beings and discovering the magical ways she can use her musical talent. The book combines elements of music, magic, and faerie lore, creating a unique and engaging narrative that captures the reader's imagination.
The writing style of 'War for the Oaks' is often praised for its ability to seamlessly blend the mundane with the magical. Emma Bull's storytelling is described as elegant and haunting, drawing readers into a world where rock and roll performers coexist with the faerie realm. The book is noted for its well-developed characters, particularly Eddi, and the way it slowly draws readers into the story until they are unable to put it down.
The University Bar was not, in the grand scheme of the city, close to the university. Nor was its clientele collegiate. They worked the assembly lines and warehouses, and wanted uncomplicated entertai...1987•336 pages - #5
Save:A clever, subversive fantasy that skewers childhood escapism and magical wish fulfillment - deliberately darker, messier, and more grown-up than its inspirations. Not for everyone, but unforgettable for the right reader.
"The Magicians" by Lev Grossman is a novel that has been compared to Harry Potter for adults, blending elements of magic, fantasy worlds, and coming-of-age themes. The story follows Quentin, an anxious and unhappy genius who discovers the existence of magic and is invited to a wizard school. However, as Quentin navigates through this world, he faces challenges, makes questionable decisions, and struggles with issues of self-identity and maturity. The book has been praised for its unique take on the magic school genre, incorporating elements of darkness, angst, and flawed characters reminiscent of those in "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt.
He snapped the cigarette away and set off across the wide lawn. He didn’t look back to see if Quentin was following, which at first Quentin didn’t, but then a sudden fear of being left alone in this p...May 2009•490 pages - #6
Save:A haunting, queer cosmic horror story that's both emotionally raw and creatively daring. Perfect for fans of horror that challenges boundaries - just be ready for a wild, sometimes bewildering trip.
In "The Worm and His Kings" by Hailey Piper, readers are taken on a thrilling cosmic ride following Monique, a trans woman searching for her missing girlfriend Donna in the depths beneath New York City. As Monique delves into the underground world, she encounters strange cult characters and a terrifying beast, embarking on a journey that challenges her determination and everything she knows. The book expertly explores themes of love, cosmic horror, and the pain of the homeless, creating a culturally significant narrative that wiggles its way into the reader's brain and holds on.
Freedom Tunnel had been a line for freight trains until its shutdown in 1980, and in 1990 it remained in official disuse. No trains passed through anymore; only people, and some of them built homes he...November 2020•127 pages - #7
Save:Cellars by John Shirley is a horror novel set in early 1980's NYC, featuring evil kids, a murder cult, and invisible monsters. The book delves into themes of ritualistic murder, the occult, and the horrors lurking in the city's underbelly. The writing style is described as a combination of Lovecraftian horror and 80s pulp, with a focus on creating a creepy and unsettling atmosphere that keeps readers on edge. The plot follows characters navigating a dark and gritty New York City while facing gruesome murders and supernatural elements.
Fingers trembling slightly, Lanyard punched out the number on the pay phone. Partly he was nervous because he had to report his failure to Maguss. And partly he was nervous in the way he always was wh...May 1982•287 pages - #8
Save:A stylish collector’s piece and urban horror classic - perfect for Barker fans and those who crave dark, imaginative short fiction. Not for the faint of heart, but a memorable ride for brave readers.
'The Midnight Meat Train' by Clive Barker is a collection of horror short stories that have captivated readers with their dark and disturbing themes. The book includes tales such as 'Midnight Meat Train' and 'In the Hills, the Cities' which are praised for their terrifying and evocative narratives. The stories delve into the realms of gore, horror, and the supernatural, creating a chilling atmosphere that lingers with readers long after they finish the book. Clive Barker's writing style is commended for its beautiful prose, blending the horrific with the poetic, and showcasing his talent for crafting unsettling and immersive stories.
The book also includes insights into the creation of the stories, such as how Clive Barker came up with the idea for 'The Midnight Meat Train' and the journey of bringing these tales to life through adaptations into movies and TV shows. Readers have found themselves drawn into Barker's world of horror, where each story offers a unique and spine-chilling experience, leaving a lasting impact on those who dare to venture into its pages.
Stepping back on board “The Midnight Meat Train” today, it’s clear that this brutal but lyrical short story retains a narrative power that has not been dimmed by time. Its cinematic incarnation, from...2009•216 pages - #9
Save:Vigil by Angela Slatter is an urban fantasy detective story following Verity Fassbinder, a detective for the weyrd creatures of Brisbane, as she investigates supernatural mysteries involving murdered Sirens, wine made from the tears of children, and a destructive creature on the loose. The book is set in Brisbane, Australia, and readers enjoy the transposition of old world creatures into a modern-day setting. The plot is described as fast-paced, quirky, and full of twists, with a strong grounding in Brisbane's urban environment.
Verity Fassbinder, the protagonist, is a complex character with a human mother and a Weyrd father, navigating between the Normal world and the Weyrd world of magical creatures. The story unfolds with Verity solving a series of supernatural crimes, aided by a cast of interesting characters, including Ziggi, Bela, and the Norn sisters. The book blends elements of urban fantasy and detective fiction, creating a dark and intriguing narrative that explores the hidden magical societies within Brisbane.
July 2016•384 pages - #10
Save:A fun, twisty, and addictive start to a popular urban fantasy series - great for fans of supernatural YA and quirky, action-packed adventures, but not for everyone. Expect drama, demons, and just enough sass to keep you coming back for more.
"City of Bones" follows the story of Clary, a teenage girl who discovers a hidden world of Shadowhunters, angels, and demons after her mother disappears. Set in New York City, the plot revolves around Clary's journey to uncover the truth about her past, her connection to the supernatural world, and her attempts to save her mother. The writing style is described as engaging, with vivid descriptions that immerse readers into the fantastical world created by the author, Cassandra Clare.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” the bouncer said, folding his arms across his massive chest. He stared down at the boy in the red zip-up jacket and shook his shaved head. “You can’t bring that thing in...2007•561 pages
