The line between urban fantasy
and paranormal romance is thin—sometimes too thin. The two genres share a
number of characteristics—supernatural creatures, dangerous situations,
and fantastical settings. Where the two differ, at least in my opinion,
is their approach to relationships and violence.
Generally speaking, urban fantasy tends to be more violent and bloody.
Murders and battles are described with intense, almost loving, detail.
Special attention is paid to weapons, whether those weapons are the
latest handgun or a centuries’ old battle ax. Violence is an intricate
and necessary part of the plot, driving it forward.
On the other hand, romantic and/or sexual relationships are not
nearly as vital to the plot of an urban fantasy. This isn’t to say Urban
Fantasy is devoid of romance or sex.
Instead, it takes much more of a
backseat to the drama of life and death situations prevalent in Urban
Fantasy. Let’s face it—when the fate of (at least part of) the world is
on the line, calling your significant other to talk about dinner is
probably the last thing on your mind.
In the end, urban fantasy and paranormal romance are simply two sides
of the same coin. Both have their strong points and their weak points
and, in my opinion, are equally vital to the world of reading. Whether
you prefer to spend your time schmoozing with a sexy vampire or going
hand to hand with a rotting, venomous one, there’s something out there
for you.
Questions for the Readers:
Who would you consider the strongest heroine in Urban Fantasy?
How much violence is too much?
Who are some of your favorite authors in Urban Fantasy?
About L.M. Pruitt
Author Bio:
“L.M. Pruitt has been reading and writing for as long
as she can remember. A native of Florida with a love of New Orleans,
she has the uncanny ability to find humor in most things and would
probably kill a plastic plant. She knows this because she’s killed
bamboo. Twice. As a result, she’s not allowed to walk in the gardening
department of any store without supervision. She’s also not allowed in
the card aisle of any grocery store without an escort since she’ll spend
thirty minutes opening cards and laughing for no good reason. She
continues to make her home in Florida in spite of the heat and mosquitos
and shares her home with two cats–one of them smart, the other not so
much.”
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