Synopses & Reviews
Star-studded and comprehensive, this imaginative anthology brings a myriad of modern fantasy voices under one roof. Previously difficult for readers to discover in its new modes, urban fantasy is represented here in all three of its distinct stylesplayful new mythologies, sexy paranormal romances, and gritty urban noir. Whether they feature tattooed demon-hunters, angst-ridden vampires, supernatural gumshoes, or pixelated pixies, these authorsincluding Patricia Briggs, Neil Gaiman, and Charles de Lintmash-up traditional fare with pop culture, creating iconic characters, conflicted moralities, and complex settings. The result is starkly original fiction that has broad-based appeal and is immensely entertaining.
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"Beagle proves that he is as good an editor as he is a writer, with this anthology of modern fantasy short fiction" Booklist
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For Joe R. Lansdale "Like gold standard writers Elmore Leonard and the late Donald Westlake, Joe R. Lansdale is one of the more versatile writers in America." Los Angeles Times
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"An essential book not only for longtime followers of such intriguing stories, but those who thought fantasy only took place in the completely imagined worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien" www.Bookgasm.com
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"[This book was] as thought provoking as it was enjoyable." All Things Urban Fantasy (August 2011)
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"A rich, full, experimental and long-lasting contribution to the ecology of Fantasy. It's perfectly arranged and intentionally diverse." New York Journal of Books (August 2011)
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"An excellent collection of fantasy that showcases the best of urban fantasy (however you define it). Definitely a must read!" Interzone (October 15, 2011)
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"Every single story in this collection has been well chosen and polished brightly. . . . I highly recommend those with even a vague interest in urban fantasy to add The Urban Fantasy Anthology to their collection." Green Man Review
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"This is one of the best reprint anthologies of the year in terms of literary value, and you certainly get more than your money's worth of good fiction." —Locus (November 1, 2011)
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As the genre is presented here, we see a rich, full, experimental and long-lasting contribution to the ecology of fantasy. Its perfectly arranged and intentionally diverse, and there are no duds here like there are in some other anthologies. If youre new to the genre, this is an ideal place to start, so you begin with the multitude of ideas that count here. If youre a fan of the genre, this is like a reacquaintance, a reminder that theres more to urban fantasy than the vast numbers of women on motorcycles who kill bad things.”
New York Journal of Books (August 2011)
An essential book not only for longtime followers of such intriguing stories but those who thought fantasy only took place in the completely imagined worlds of J. R. R. Tolkien.”
Bookgasm
An excellent collection of stories that showcases the best of urban fantasy (however you define it). Definitely a must-read!”
Interzone
Every single story in this collection has been well chosen and polished brightly.... I highly recommend those with even a vague interest in urban fantasy add The Urban Fantasy Anthology to their collection.”
Green Man Review
As thought-provoking as it was enjoyable.”
All Things Urban Fantasy
This is one of the best reprint anthologies of the year in terms of literary value, and you certainly get more than your moneys worth of good fiction.”
Locus
Synopsis
Whether featuring tattooed demon hunters, angst-y vampires, supernatural gumshoes, or pixelated pixies, Urban Fantasy mashes up old-school tales with pop culture, creating iconic characters, diverging moralities, and complex settings. Urban fantasy is finally showcased in this star-studded collection, representing all three of its distinct styles, including the playful new mythologies of Charles de Lint, the sexy paranormal romances of Patricia Briggs, and the gritty urban noir of Neil Gaiman.
About the Author
Peter S. Beagle is the best-selling author of
The Last Unicorn, which has sold a reported five million copies since its initial publication in 1968. His other novels include
A Fine and Private Place,
The Innkeepers Song, and
Tamsin. His short fiction has been collected in four volumes by Tachyon Publications, including
The Rhinoceros Who Quoted Nietzsche,
The Line Between, We Never Talk About My Brother, and
Sleight of Hand. He has won the Hugo, Nebula, Mythopoeic, and Grand Prix de lImaginaire awards as well as the World Fantasy Award for Lifetime Achievement.
Joe R. Lansdale is the author of more than thirty novels, including the Edgar Awardwinning Hap and Leonard mystery series (Mucho Mojo, Two Bear Mambo) and the New York Times Notable Book The Bottoms. More than two hundred of his stories have appeared in such outlets as Tales From the Crypt and Pulphouse, and his work has been adapted for The Twilight Zone and Masters of Horror. Lansdale has written several graphic novels, including Batman and Fantastic Four. He is a tenth-degree black belt and the founder of the Shen Chuan martial art.