The more I read, the more I can’t help but be drawn to urban fantasy titles. Don’t get me wrong, I still love my romance. I get very excited for releases from JR Ward, Nalini Singh, Victoria Dahl, Larissa Ione and Jennifer Ashley (just to name a few). But currently, urban fantasy is the genre that is exciting me for many reasons. The books are usually darker, more violent, and a big reason it attracts me is the uncertain HEA (happily ever after).
Just this week I read Unholy Ghosts and Unholy Magic, the first two books in Stacia Kane’s Downside series. Unholy Magic (which my review partner Tori gave a great review) blew me away and the emotions and anxiety that is written into that book is almost too much to take. As it stands now, it is my favorite book so far this year. As I was emailing friends about it, one stated that Stacia Kane threw out the rules. And it is so true. I have absolutely no idea what is going to happen with the heroine in the romance department. But what she does in that book couldn’t happen in a regular romance book. She takes you on a journey of such despair, and so much healing needs to happen that it definitely needs to take place over more than one book. Although it kills me to have a book end unsettled, I love it. I love the unbearable wait for the next book, especially when you have friends to share in your torture.
I know urban fantasy is not guaranteed to have the heroine or hero end up with a significant other at the end of the series, but for most of the series I read and adore, there is always that certain someone that you hope ends up with a declaration of love eventually. Take for example the Mercy Thompson series by Patricia Briggs. She made us wait four books before Adam and Mercy made the big step. Or Kate Daniels and Curran from Illona Andrews. The tension between those two is some of the best stuff I have read. I love not knowing if this is the book that “it” will happen. With the very last book in the Fever series by Karen Marie Moning coming out this January, I assume Mac and Barrons will swoon into each other’s arms. But there is still that tiny part of my brain that is unsure. How will I feel if it doesn’t happen or if she gives us more of an ambiguous ending? Charlaine Rice recently stated that Sookie may not officially end up with anyone when the series ends. Does that upset you? Do we need an official HEA at the end to make us happy in an urban fantasy series? I think it depends on the series, but for the most part, I personally want that spark of romance at the end. That finality of a relationship if the author has decided the story has been told. You can torture me with as much sexual tension as you can write over a period of many books, but at the end, I think I need an “I love you.”
I totally agree with you! I love the strength of the heroines in UF titles, but I would really feel more closure if there was a HEA somewhere in there!
Great post! Echoed some of my own feelings on the subject. I'm much more drawn to the UF series… love that the (possible) romance is carried from book to book and that the HEA is uncertain. Although I'm always HOPING for the eventual HEA, I don't think it's necessary. I guess it depends on the series/characters. I'm having a hard time imagining Sookie NOT ending up with someone, though!!!
Great post! BUT I need my HEA! I think that is why I'm not a Sookie fan, but LOVE Kate and Curran. The reasons I am so drawn to romance is the escapism of it all. Real life can be really tough and full of disappointments. My life is pretty good, but there is a lot of crap going on to people I love and care about. Romance offers me a guaranteed happy ending and I need that. It can be tough to get to the end – I can think of lots of romance books that made me tear up and/or cry outright. I'm good with that – in fact enjoy that – but it's gotta have a happy ending!
I'm slowly getting more into UF as well, and I have really enjoyed the drawn out relationship-building (i.e. Colleen Gleason's Gardella series) so I don't have a problem with it in UF, but yeah, i want to see some sort of "hopeful" ending. It might not be the traditional HEA of the romances I love, but as long as there's a significant inkling that the characters will do whatever they can to do be together, say it and mean it, then that's all I can ask for. I don't want ambiguous "okay I'll try" but definite tones of "I'll be there for you for as long as you'll have me, and oh yeah, I kinda luv you". There's gotta be some happiness at the end :)
As much as I would like to say, "Oh, no, I don't NEED an HEA, an awesome plot finale is good enough", I am just not that person. I feel that if I spend so much time with the tortured characters typical of UF, I need a little something at the end to let me know they will be okay. Even, if I don't know that until the last few pages like in the Riley Jensen series, I still need that HEA to feel satisfied and not feel like I wasted my time.
Stacia Kane's is your favourite book of 2010? *adds it to the TBR pile*
I agree about Urban Fantasy – it's the one genre with a lot of scope. A single Urban Fantasy book can satisfy my craving for fantasy with a dark storyline, plus elements of mystery and crime with a healthy dose of romance thrown in. You just don't get that many crossovers with other genres.
I think Ilona Andrews really mastered the art of HEA – keeping readers on edge with Kate and Curran. Same goes for Mercy – I love that they gave us 'Team Adam' and 'Team Samuel' to choose from and get behind. I would be disappointed if Sookie ended up alone – considering that she's always wanted a family, and has felt the loss of one throughout the series… I think that would be a befitting HEA for her.
I think I need that HEA (or at least a HFN). I stopped reading the Rachel Morgan series by Kim Harrison after a character's death because I was so pissed off…
Love love love this entry. I am a huge fan of UF and started with that genre first but discovered I get so much more from the story if there is an "I Love You" factor. I started reading more PNR because I got hooked to the idea that there would be an HEA. And, I admit I am one of those ladies who reads UF if I know there will be a possible happy for now (smexin a bonus) like with Mercy, and Kate and Sookie. And maybe Chess and Terrible?! Please?!! ;)
Great topic MandiCakes!!
Wow! Your review has made my decision easier. I plan on buying this series next. I'm always looking for a new series to feed me between my fav author and thier works. I must be a throw back, I love when there is a happy ending. Keep me hanging on as long as you like, but please don't leave me wanting. You know when you have found a keeper when you squeal and your toes curl. Thanks for the great review.
I love UF for that delicious torture of will they/or won’t they? I don't need an official HEA but I do want a choice to be made. Not always but often you see a triangle love interest blooming throughout a series and if a series end I want to know which one the heroine is choosing.
I love UF for all the reasons you stated and I don't think this genre will cool down anytime soon. As for your pimpage af Stacia Kane, ordered, shipped and hopefully in my hands soon :) Thanks for a wonderful post Mandi!
Julie – Yes, I need that sense of peace at the end knowing the characters have found each other.
ErinW – See, I find that interesting that you don't need a HEA. However, if every single UF series ended with a coupling, then there wouldn't be that uncertainty and maybe some of the appeal would go away. Charlaine hinted that Sookie may not end up with someone..but who knows :)
Jen – hmm…see…I don't read Sookie either. I love UF for the awesome world building, and overall unique themes, but I think I need that romantic or possible romantic connection….
I'm ok in general if there isn't a happy end for each book but for a series like the Sookie series I would feel ripped off if she didn't have a HEA. Why bother following for that long if there isn't a real ending??
Stacy – First, the Gardella series *love* Max..oh Max :) I think for some series I don't need an actual I love you at the end. The "I'll try" would probably be enough. But for something like the Fever series, I NEED Barrons and Mac to be together at the end. Maybe it is the amount of pure torture the characters have had to go through during the books..and they have gone through a ton :)
Kindleicious – LOL..I want to be that person too!! But I'm not..and I'm ok with that! :)
Danielle – Briggs and Andrews have done a great job with the sexual tension. I can't get into the Sookie books..but I've been wondering if people want her to end up settled. And yes, you must read Stacia Kane! :)
Chris – I think a HFN might work for me in certain series. The Rachel Morgan series is another series I could never get into. I definitely lean towards the UF that has the stronger sexual tension.
Pamela – Smexin is definitely a bonus in UF..I don't need it..but I like it LOL. Oh Terrible…he has my heart! :)
Dana – I definitely recommend the Stacia Kane series. So dark and delicious :)
Leontine – I do the love triangles too :) I'm so glad you are going to read this series..sooooo good :)
Karen – I understand your point…I think many would be disappointed. I don't read Sookie..I'm scared to start now :)
I think what I like most about UF is the build up. I like when an author makes me work for my HEA. Perfect example Fever series. I'm not going to lie, it about broke me to have a cliffhanger at the end, but damn I really heart that series.
PS Somebody bought Unholy Magic last night. Who? *points to chest* this girl *does happy dance*
I love and need the slow delicious build up to an HEA. But I don't need the HEA unless the author has made noises that there will be one. If no indication is given that there will be an HEA(Harry Dresden series) then I'm cool with it. I've always been more of an action/plot girl anyways. But if the author makes noises and hints at an HEA then doesn't deliver-that will end my association with the series.
Samething with sexual tension. I don't need it. But I do not like the flip flopping of some series that give it then take it away as if it never happened.
Stacia Kane did indeed break rules with her Downside series and for that I'm SQUEEEEEing with all sorts of joy and happiness. :)
I love the drawn out HEA in many UF series – but I need the HEA at the end of the series for sure. Part of the reason I love the Kate Daniels series is the drawn out attraction between Kate and Curran. In other series, like the Riley Jensen series, Riley has alot of growing up to do so the person who could have been her HEA changes as the series goes on. I do have a hard time with break-ups in series – like the most recent book in the Night Huntress series when it looked like Cat and Bones might not end-up together. Once I'm emotionally invested in a fictional relationship don't rock the boat! ;)
For a long time I would only read Paranormal Romance books because they have HEA. I get closure with an HEA and then I can move on to the next book or series. But lately I've been reading more and more Urban Fantasy and I'm liking it. Mind Games is the most recent UF book I read and it is one of my favorite books so far this year. It blew me away.
Stephanie G
Paranormal Haven
I love Urban Fantasy for the reasons you stated. I love the ongoing drama and action and while I don't need a HEA at the end of every book, I think I do need a HEA at the end of a series. *cough Fever series cough*
Tough question, Mandi! I don't think I would ever support a "requirement" — that's too restrictive of the art.
But like you, I most enjoy the series that have a strong element of sexual tension. And if you're going to have that, a good author is going to need to resolve it.
But that sort of requires that the series has an overall series arc and plan. Not all series are like that, but I think the "best" ones usually are. (And by "best", I mean, "the ones I like." )
I enjoyed the Jenna Black series that has apparently ended without a major HEA ripple. Yeah, she has a boyfriend, but he's kind of wallpaper in the series.
I really, really like Keri Arthur's Riley Jenson series — now there's a girl that has a life. Relationships that seem to be going somewhere, but get complicated when she meets someone else… or he chickens out… despite the crazy fantasy element, the relationship aspects are way more realistic than the arrow-straight trajectory of most romance novels.
*cuts self off as post approaches novel-length* Uh, you kinda got me going there, LOL.
Great post! Definitely going in the "favs of the month" section of my Monthly Roundup :)
I need a HEA! If Sookie doesn't get one, I'll be VERY mad! I like the tension and the not knowing who or how the h/H will end up together in UF books, but I feel like they go through such tough (usually horrid) things in their lives that at least deserve to be loved :/
Thanks for the recommendation – I'm going to try Stacia Kane out this week. The HEA's aren't important to me on a book by book basis, but in a series, I need a hot pairing at the end, damn it!
I also noticed you added hottie Joe Manganiello. Look up Jason Momoa – scrumlicious! (Particularly awesome beach pic roaming around out there.) AND he's starring in a new HBO series next year.
I do not care if it takes 20 books to get a HEA, as long as I do get a HEA, and if Sookie doesn't get one *grinds teeth*
Mandi: I think that's why I'm such a big fan of PNR series… you get the awesome world building and great overall story arcs, but each book has a happy ending for the main couple (and loose ends for the next book!)
KC – Love the build up. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on the Downside series!
Tori – That is true that I don't like it if authors dangle it in front of you and then take it away. I really need to read the Dresdan series!! And thank you so much for rec'ing Stacia Kane!
Heather – Kate and Curran have the best tension!! Rawr Curran! And Cat and Bones…what a great series. That is a nice example of a couple "together" from book one, although she keeps the tension nice and steady throughout.
Paranormal Haven – Mind Games is #2 on my favorites this year!! So, so gooooood! Can't wait for Double Cross!
FV – I hear your coughing…*clears throat* :)
Nicola – It's funny how many times Riley Jenson has been mentioned today. Maybe that is a sign I need to read that series. Realistic relationships, despite the crazy world they live in are a must. I think that is why I enjoyed Unholy Magic so much. What happens to Chess makes perfect sense to her situation, although it kills me to watch her go through it. Have I mentioned I liked Unholy Magic?? LOLOLOL.
Melissa – Oh, hello there Jason Momoa!! I have never heard of him. Gasp! And on HBO later…nice! :)
Blodeuedd – You are a very patient woman!
Jen – I do love the happy ending :) Le sigh.
I like Eileen Wilks' Lupi series. The main couple get together in the first book, but continue to have interesting issues arise for their relationship as the series progresses. One of the books focuses more on other characters and their relationship, as well.
I haven't read her but that sounds like Jeaniene Frost's Bones and Cat too…first book they get together but that is just the beginning to what the have to go through to be happy.