Episode 107 - The City
This month is Episode 7 - The City. The panel discusses their favourite Urban Fantasy novels and touch on how setting can become a character of its own, shape the narrative, and transform a story with signature style. Hear about Tanya Huff's Blood Series, Richard Kadrey's Sandman Slim, Laura Ann Gilman's Staying Dead (Retriever Series), and Charles de Lint's The Onion Girl.
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The Onion Girl by Charles de Lint
In previous Newford stories, Jilly Coppercorn was a very popular character that seemed always to be positive and supportive. But she refused to talk about her past and that made her mysterious too.
In The Onion Girl, de Lint peels back the layers of the person that is Jilly Coppercorn, right down to a rotten core. At the beginning of the book, Jilly is hit by a car and is in a coma and severely injured. As she begins a difficult recovery, her earlier life is revealed.
She spent time in Newford before being helped by a policeman and the local artistic community. She discovered the fantastic land of “Dreamland” and painted the fantastic characters found there. The inhabitants of Dreamland (some of which can crossover) also helped Jilly recover from her earlier life. Want to know how Jilly fares? Read the book!
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Staying Dead by Laura Ann Gilman
Staying Dead is a captivating urban fantasy novel set in New York City, where magic and mundane life intersect. The story follows Wren Valere, a skilled retrieval artist whose job involves recovering stolen magical artifacts. When a powerful amulet goes missing, Wren is hired to retrieve it, but the task becomes infinitely more complicated when the amulet's theft leads to a string of murders. As Wren delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers a dangerous conspiracy that threatens not only her own life but also the delicate balance of power in the magical underworld. With wit, suspense, and a cast of engaging characters, Staying Dead is a thrilling tale of magic, intrigue, and betrayal.
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Blood Price by Tanya Huff
Blood Price introduces readers to Vicki Nelson, a former police officer turned private investigator who finds herself entangled in the supernatural underworld of Toronto. When a series of gruesome murders occurs, Vicki teams up with Henry Fitzroy, a charming vampire and illegitimate son of Henry VIII, to solve the case. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a dark conspiracy involving ancient vampires and demonic forces. Battling both human and supernatural adversaries, Vicki and Henry must race against time to stop the killings and prevent an all-out war between the mortal and supernatural worlds. With its blend of mystery, horror, and urban fantasy elements, Blood Price offers a gripping and suspenseful read that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
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Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey
The novel (and series) follows James Stark, a magician who returns from Hell seeking revenge on those who betrayed him and murdered his lover. After spending eleven years fighting demons in the infernal pits, Stark emerges with newfound powers and a burning desire for vengeance. In a gritty and supernatural version of Los Angeles, Stark navigates the treacherous underworld as he hunts down his enemies, including the powerful magician who sent him to Hell in the first place. Along the way, Stark encounters a cast of eccentric characters, from angels and demons to fallen gods and monstrous creatures. Fueled by dark humor, relentless action, and a touch of noir sensibility, Sandman Slim delivers a thrilling and adrenaline-fueled ride through a twisted urban landscape where magic and mayhem collide.
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