From Concrete Jungles to Digital Dragons: Top 8 Urban Fantasy Sci-Fi Reads

Finding a book that perfectly blends science fiction and fantasy can be a quest in itself. Add in an urban setting, and the search becomes even more challenging. Genre mashups rarely advertise all their influences upfront, requiring readers to delve deeper or consult reviews. While a strict urban fantasy sci-fi criterion might seem limiting, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered, especially from emerging authors. So, ditch the preconceived notions of dragons and knights, and prepare to explore these captivating worlds.

Siren Queen (2022) by Nghi Vo

Nghi Vo’s novella, Siren Queen, reimagines Hollywood’s golden age through the lens of Chinese mythology. The “magic” of the silver screen becomes literal, with shadowy entities brokering deals and fame demanding a monstrous price. 1930s Los Angeles transforms into a vibrant landscape populated by shapeshifters who manipulate the very fabric of reality.

Legends and Lattes (2022) by Travis Baldree

Legends and Lattes offers a refreshing take on fantasy, grounding it in the everyday with the story of Viv, an orc warrior who opens a coffee shop. While light on sci-fi elements, this charming tale replaces epic quests with the challenges of introducing caffeine to a world that’s never tasted it.

Winter’s Orbit (2021) by Everina Maxwell

This space opera blends political intrigue with romance. Within a technologically advanced civilization reminiscent of Star Wars, a politically motivated arranged marriage threatens interplanetary peace. Winter’s Orbit delivers a captivating story of love and duty against a backdrop of cosmic diplomacy.

Babel, or the Necessity of Violence (2022) by R.F. Kuang

Set in 19th-century Oxford, Babel follows Robin Swift, a Chinese orphan trained in linguistic magic at the prestigious Royal Institute of Translation (Babel). This institution secretly wields the power of language to bolster the British Empire. Kuang masterfully weaves fantasy and historical fiction, creating a thought-provoking exploration of power and colonialism.

Doomsday (2015) by R. L. Gemmill

In R.L. Gemmill’s Doomsday, orphaned siblings Kelly, Travis, and Jon confront demonic forces unleashed by a devastating earthquake. Kelly’s telepathy and Travis’s empathy become crucial weapons in their fight for survival. While the prose may occasionally feel young, the engaging plot and relatable characters make Doomsday a compelling read. Despite a somewhat abrupt ending, the story earns a 5-star rating, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the sequel, The Doomsday Shroud.

Their Vicious Games (2023) by Joelle Wellington

Set in a technologically advanced near-future city, Their Vicious Games presents a thrilling competition where contestants display extraordinary abilities. The sleek urban setting contrasts sharply with the chaotic nature of the games, where telekinesis and object manipulation are just the tip of the iceberg. Beneath the surface of the competition lies a deeper power struggle, adding layers of intrigue to the narrative.

Further Urban Fantasy Sci-Fi Recommendations:

Portrait of a Thief (2022) by Grace D. Li: A crew of Chinese-American students embarks on a heist to steal priceless artifacts. While not strictly fantasy, the story blends a thrilling spy narrative with folkloric elements.

She Who Became the Sun (2021) by Shelley Parker-Chan: This historical fantasy reimagines the rise of the Hongwu Emperor. The subtle integration of fantastical elements within a historical context creates a unique and captivating read.

Nophek Gloss (2020) by Essa Hansen: This space opera follows Caeden, a skilled fighter with fragmented memories, as he encounters advanced alien technology and god-like entities. The decaying urban environments add a touch of dark fantasy to the sci-fi adventure.

Genre Fluidity:

Remember, genre boundaries are fluid. Authors constantly experiment, blending elements in innovative ways that defy categorization. Urban fantasy sci-fi is a dynamic and evolving genre, constantly offering fresh perspectives.

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Are any of your favorite authors on this list? Who else should we include?

Other Things You Might Want to Know

Anthology Recommendations:

The Year’s Best Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance (annual)
Clockwork Phoenix (periodic)
Beyond the Pale: Urban Fantasy Without the Usual Suspects (2014) edited by Lynn M. Thomas
The Mythic Dream (1998-2019)
Tales from the Shadowed Earth
Future Cities: An Anthology of Speculative Fiction