The Urban Fantasy Anthology

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 styles—playful new mythologies, sexy paranormal romances, and gritty urban noir. Whether they feature tattooed demon-hunters, angst-ridden vampires, supernatural gumshoes, or pixelated pixies, these authors—including Patricia Briggs, Neil Gaiman, and Charles de Lint—mash-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.
Contents
Introduction by Peter S. Beagle
Mythic Fiction
Introduction: “A Personal Journey Into Mythic Fiction” by Charles de Lint
“A Bird That Whistles” by Emma Bull
“Make a Joyful Noise” by Charles de Lint
“The Goldfish Pool and Other Stories” by Neil Gaiman
“On the Road to New Egypt” by Jeffrey Ford
“Julie’s Unicorn” by Peter S. Beagle
Paranormal Romance
Introduction: “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Urban Fantasy” by Paula Guran
“Companions to the Moon” by Charles de Lint
“A Haunted House of Her Own” by Kelley Armstrong
“She’s My Witch” by Norman Partridge
“Kitty’s Zombie New Year” by Carrie Vaughn
“Seeing Eye” by Patricia Briggs
“Hit” by Bruce McAllister
“Boobs” by Suzy McKee Charnas
“Farewell, My Zombie” by Francesca Lia Block
Noir Fantasy
Introduction: “We Are Not a Club, but We Sometimes Share a Room” by Joe R. Lansdale
“The White Man” by Thomas M. Disch
“Gestella” by Susan Palwick
“The Coldest Girl in Coldtown” by Holly Black
“Talking Back to the Moon” by Steven R. Boyett
“On the Far Side of the Cadillac Desert With Dead Folks” by Joe R. Lansdale
“The Bible Repairman” by Tim Powers
“Father Dear” by Al Sarrantonio