Comments on: What’s Everyone Reading?

By: Jordan

Jordan — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 15:24:07 +0000

Saskia, There are a few books that are sitting in the romance section that should’ve probably been shelved with sci-fi/fantasy. As you know, it’s up to the publisher. They’ll put the book where they think they’ll sell the most copies. I think it IS important that the reader understand what they’re getting, when they pick up a novel. That way there won’t be disappointment.

I don’t think most of the paranormal books out there are urban fantasies. For example, JR Ward and Lynn Veihl don’t write urban fantasies, BUT they have started a new trend within the paranormal romance genre by writing grittier/darker novels that don’t necessarily end with a traditional HEA. I think if you want to get into paranormal romance that they are the ones to watch. If you want to write erotic paranormal romance, then Chey McCray is who you need to pay attention to. She’s carving out a niche between Laurell K. Hamilton and Kim Harrison right now. As for the books that I mentioned in my previous reply to Rachelle, they’re all shelved in the fantasy section at the bookstores I frequent.

By: Saskia

Saskia — Thu, 31 Aug 2006 09:17:45 +0000

It’s interesting to see how you define urban fantasy. A lot of the books that are sold under “paranormal” fit into this, yes? I think it’s better to have that added distinction. I’ve placed 2 “paranormal romances” but to me they are first and foremost fantasy novels, other-worldly, and I think it’s important the reader knows that. As for reading, next up is Faerie Tale by Raymond Feist, a friend says I MUST read it, so there you go

By: Jordan

Jordan — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 23:23:00 +0000

Rachelle, An urban fantasy is a fantasy set in an urban setting. It can incorporate pretty much any type of creature. They’re normally written in first person POV, but not all. Some of the best examples of urban fantasies are: Dead Witch Walking by Kim Harrison, Moon Called by Patricia Briggs, Nightlife by Rob Thurman, and Dresden series by Jim Butcher. I’m leaving out several more wonderful novels. Laurell K Hamilton could be considered an urban fantasy writer. They’re not necessarily set in N.Y., but there has to be a city of some kind at least nearby. Also, with the exception of the creatures who inhabit the world, everything else should appear normal. (ie present day contemporary) Hope that helps.

By: RachelleChase

RachelleChase — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 20:56:22 +0000

I’m going to show my ignorance (again) … what is urban fantasy, Jordan? Can you give me an example?

By: Jordan

Jordan — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 20:11:53 +0000

Bailey, I have the Specialist in my TBR pile. I guess I’ll have to pull it out and move it closer to the top.

By: Bailey Stewart

Bailey Stewart — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 19:06:11 +0000

I just finished Rhonda Nelson's The Specialist, the second in her Men Out of Uniform series, and loved it. I'm starting Jill's Out of This World next, and after that is Double Dare by Ms. Saskia. Oh, and Hooper's Sleeping with Fear, I always buy her books in HB.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 16:12:05 +0000

Maya, That’s why I’m trying to shake up the genres I read. I have urban fantasies, horror, action/adventure, mysteries, and thrillers in my TBR pile at the moment. It really helps to step way out of your reading zone to breakup those slumps.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 16:10:41 +0000

Julie, I’m trying to do the same. I went through my books again last night and filled a large back and a small box. I plan to take them to the used bookstore today or tomorrow.

By: Jordan

Jordan — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 16:09:27 +0000

Cece, I don’t blame you. There’s only one hardcover I’ll be purchasing this year and that’s Christine Feehan’s Carpathian book.

By: Maya

Maya — Wed, 30 Aug 2006 13:55:15 +0000

*sigh* I haven’t read anything that knocked my socks off lately. I’m in a bit of a reading slump so I’ll be scanning the comments carefully for some suggestions.