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Saturday, January 11, 2014

Best Urban Fantasy of 2013

Better late than never: Here are my picks for the top novels in NEW and CONTINUING urban fantasy series for 2013—in no particular order. 

Click on the pink-link book titles to go to my reviews. 

Click on the pink-link ratings to go to an explanation of my five-point rating system for violence, sensuality, and humor

I still have a few 2013 books on my to-read shelf, so I may add to this list if any of them meet the standard set by these novels.


          Top 6 Novels in NEW Urban Fantasy Series in 2013          

Charming, by Elliott James 
1st novel in PAX ARCANA  SERIES
My review says…...a terrific novel, with excellent plotting and pacing, well-developed characters, and nicely defined interpersonal relationships. The emotional twists and turns among the main characters…are fascinating to watch, and the…supporting characters are delightful.”

Gameboard of the Gods, by Richelle Mead 
1st novel in AGE OF X SERIES 
My review says…I'm looking forward to the next entry in this dystopian series because I really want to follow the developing relationship between Justin and Mae. If Mead treats this couple the same way she treated poor Georgina and Seth in her GEORGINA KINCAID series, they (and we) have lots of twisted and tortured adventures ahead.”

Generation V, by M. L. Brennan 
1st novel in AMERICAN VAMPIRE SERIES  
My review says…...a solid urban fantasy series with a particularly creative mythology and a likable hero. I love the fact that these vampires are so different from the usual stereotype.

Trickster, by Jeff Somers 
1st novel in THE USTARI CYCLE
My review says…...a book with so many levels of complexity and depth that it's hard to know where to begin. First, this mage world is fresh and inventive—nothing like the usual urban fantasies on the market today. No stereotypical alpha hero. No one-dimensional villains. No lengthy, anguished interior monologues. Instead, we have a well-constructed magic system and a solid plot driven by scenes of compelling action and bitter despair. The tone is very, very grim and gritty, but the darkness is broken frequently by moments of noir humor that provide comic relief.”

Omens, by Kelley Armstrong 
1st novel in CAINSVILLE SERIES
My review says…...a great new series with well-developed, sympathetic characters, excellent world-building, and lots of secrets to uncover in ensuing books. At one point in the story, a character who writes paranormal romances explains that three elements are needed to write a top-notch story: sex, originality, and attention to detail. Well, we haven’t gotten to the sex yet (except for a hurried up-against-a-wall scene in chapter 1), but Armstrong hits the other two out of the park.


Cursed, by S. J. Harper
1st novel in FALLEN SIREN SERIES   
My review says…“This is a well-written book—as you would expect from these experienced and talented authors. The lead characters—Emma and Zack—are fully developed with haunting back-stories that deepen their appeal. Even the supporting characters have depth, and that's something you don't always find in this genre.” 




                                                                                                  
          Top 20 Novels in CONTINUING Urban Fantasy Series in 2013          
                                                                                   

Chimes at Midnight, by Seanan McGuire 
7th novel in OCTOBER DAYE SERIES
My review says…Whenever I read this series, I wish with all my heart that every author who tries writing in the first person could do it as perfectly and as elegantly as McGuire does. Toby has always been a strong, courageous, and independent  (but vulnerable) heroine who does not have to don black leather bustiers or constantly spout the f-word to intimidate her enemies. She is a breath of fresh air among urban fantasy heroines, and I can't wait for her next adventure.

Midnight Blue-Light Special, by Seanan McGuire 
3rd novel in INCRYPTID SERIES
My review says…...a rollicking adventure from beginning to end….McGuire excels in character development, and her story line about Sarah is powerful—full of pathos and heartbreak to be sure, but also showing the strength and unequivocal love of the Price family for all its members, whether they be related by blood, adoption, or friendship.
 


Slashback, by Rob (Robyn) Thurman 
8th novel in CAL LEANDROS SERIES
My review says…This quickly became a page-turner, just like all of the previous books have been. This is a great series, and I highly recommend it to readers who like gritty and violent urban fantasy with undertones of noir humor.

Frost Burned, by Patricia Briggs 
7th novel in MERCY THOMPSON SERIES
My review says…...a terrific story, as usual. Briggs spins out a compelling, action-filled plot with effortless ease. Each time you think that a resolution is near…something else comes up to complicate the situation….Mercy is a topnotch urban fantasy heroine: brave, intelligent, and independent; fully in love with her man and completely devoted to her pack.

 
Rise of the Gryphon, by Sherrilyn Kenyon & Dianna Love 
4th novel in THE BELADOR SERIES
My review says…...another great entry in a solid series…Everything comes together in the closing chapters, which are filled with sustained suspense and compelling action.


Magic Rises, by Ilona Andrews (Pseudonym for Ilona and Andrew Gordon) 
7th novel in KATE DANIELS SERIES
My review says…Once again, the authors have produced a winner of a story that is particularly poignant…This is a terrific story—well plotted and full of action and suspense.



Sharp, by Alex Hughes 
2nd novel in MINDSPACE INVESTIGATIONS SERIES   
My review says…...a strong addition to a series that has one of the most damaged heroes I've seen in recent urban fantasy. If you enjoy this series, you may also like these: Jim Butcher's DRESDEN FILES, Benedict Jacka's ALEX VERUS, Kevin Hearne's IRON DRUID, Jim C. Hines' MAGIC EX LIBRUS, Ben Aaronovitch's PETER GRANT/RIVERS OF LONDON series.

Fair Game, by Patricia Briggs 
3rd novel in ALPHA & OMEGA SERIEIS
My review says…It's great to have this series back after such a long break. I've always liked Anna and Charles, and their characters have developed nicely over the years. Both of the plot lines (the serial killer and Charles's ghosts) are driven by compelling action and honest emotion. 

Hellhound, by Nancy Holzner 
5th novel in DEADTOWN SERIES
My review says“...another strong entry in a top-notch urban fantasy series. The heroine continues to be strong, courageous,…and the action moves along at a nice pace. I'm looking forward to the next novel, in which Vicky will be forced to deal with her new powers and with some new demon problems.  

Chosen, by Benedict Jacka 
4th novel in ALEX VERUS SERIES
My review says…On the surface, this book has the simplest plot so far, but below the surface, it is the most complex. We learn a lot more about Alex's history with Richard and his apprentices, and we watch Alex come to terms with his past actions. I recommend the book highly, but not as a stand-alone. You'll enjoy it more if you read it in the context of the previous three books.”


Shattered Circle, by Linda Robertson 
6th novel in PERSEPHONE ALCMEDI/CIRCLE SERIES
Ratings:  Violence3-4; Sensuality3; Humor2-3  
My review says…With its complex, but not complicated, plot, this is another strong entry in the series. The characters continue to be interesting as they keep developing in new and fascinating ways.

Binding the Shadows, by Jenn Bennett 
3rd novel in ARCADIA BELL SERIES
My review says…“The book opens with a nail-biting scene…and the ending is such a slam-dunk of a cliffhanger that it will be agonizing to wait almost a year for the next book. I love this series!”

Autumn Bones, by Jacqueline Carey 
2nd novel in AGENT OF HEL SERIES 
My review says…Carey is a skilled writer who—luckily for the reader—handles Daisy's first-person voice exceptionally well. Daisy is a brave and likable heroine who muddles through her daily life just like the rest of us (except that she is a hell spawn with a tail and we aren't).”

Tarnished, by Rhiannon Held 
2nd novel in SILVER SERIES
My review says…“This continues to be a terrific series—never formulaic; always original….The author carefully constructs her story lines to highlight the development of her characters, providing a major pay-off for the reader.”

Elysian Fields, by Suzanne Johnson 
3rd novel in SENTINELS OF NEW ORLEANS SERIES 
My review says…“The intricate plotting combines compelling action, heart-breaking angst, and enough electrifying suspense to keep you turning the pages at a rapid rate.”

Graveyard Child, by M.L.N. Hanover (pseudonym for Daniel Abraham
5th novel in BLACK SUN'S DAUGHTER SERIES
My review says…...a real page-turner, with non-stop, compelling action and lots of twists and turns in the plot. Jayné's relationships with her team and particularly with her family are front and center all the way through. The scenes between Jayné and her father are heart-breaking.

Rogue Descendant, by Jenna Black 
3rd novel in NIKKI GLASS/DESCENDANTS SERIES
My review says…...a solid addition to a terrific series. Thankfully, the heroine is smart and brave and tends not to have any TSTL moments (what a relief!). The supporting cast is interesting, with a wide variety of back-stories and magical powers.

Mountain Echoes, by C. E. Murphy 
8th novel in THE WALKER PAPERS
My review says…If you're a regular series reader, I'd recommend this book for the Morrison story line alone. Both the development of the action and the depth of the characterization…are well done, adding just the right amount of personal conflict to an exhilarating adventure.

Agave Kiss, by Ann Aguirre 
5th and FINAL novel in CORINE SOLOMON SERIES
My review says…Corine is front and center, showing off her courage and intelligence as she fights to get back her man and protect her friends. This is a great ending for a strong series. 

To Dance with the Devil, by Cat Adams (pseudonym for C. T. Adams & Cathy Clamp) 
5th novel in BLOOD SINGER SERIES

My review says…...another solid chapter in a strong series. Both the main and supporting characters are well-developed, and the suspense-filled plot moves along at a compelling pace. 

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