Don't forget something like Alex Bledsoe's "The Sword-edged Blonde" published by Night Shade. It owes more to Marlowe than to the other stuff mentioned in this post, but should definitely be in the conversation.
Joe Sherry | Homepage | 02.28.08 - 11:52 pm | #

I saw some stuff about that book, Joe but didn't know too too much about it.
Rob B | Homepage | 02.29.08 - 9:33 pm | #

Interesting look at the subgenre! I'd definitely be interested in Liz Williams... I have a few things to add, though, from my own reading:

Charlaine Harris is very popular, and has a little more genre-crossover ability (she began by writing mysteries) and more "mainstream" readers buy her as well. She's having a TV series made out of the Sookie books, as well. She's one of the best writers in this area IMO.

Mercedes Lackey's Diana Tregarde popped up (and was Lackey's first story sold--to MZB I believe) much earlier than the vampire/urban fantasy popularity really hit and is now getting reprinted.

Tanya Huff, an amazing writer, hit it big with her Vicki Nelson Blood series, which has almost always been on bookshelves since publication (at least here in Canada), and is now a TV series, though I'm not sure how it'll fare ratings-wise.
Sara J. | Homepage | 03.02.08 - 12:01 pm | #

Sara,

Thanks for stopping by and dropping me a note. I hadn't realized Lackey dabbled in this subset of the genre.

I've heard good things about Huff's various writings. I'll keep her in mind.

Rob
Rob B | Homepage | 03.02.08 - 8:12 pm | #

Great article! I particularly can't wait to read Liz Williams' series. I really enjoyed her SF work.

Regarding "The Sword-Edged Blonde", I'm not sure if it really fits in this category. The one thing all of these series have in common besides the magical aspects, is that they are set in a contemporary backdrop. With that in mind, I would add Mike Carey's excellent Felix Castor novels and Christopher Golden could also fit here.

Also, thanks for the linkage!
Robert | Homepage | 03.03.08 - 10:00 am | #

I knew I would forget a couple obvious ones. I've only read one book by Golden (Wildwood Road) and really enjoyed them. I hear good things about Carey's Castor novels, which isn't surprising since his comics are pretty good.
Rob B | Homepage | 03.03.08 - 2:39 pm | #

Robert: Except for the Glen Cook, I agree. Otherwise I might not have mentioned the Bledsoe (which really is worth checking out).
Joe Sherry | Homepage | 03.03.08 - 9:07 pm | #