Welcome to the Urban Fantasy group!

To introduce yourself, please tell us a little about yourself. This can be what kinds of books you like, what you are currently reading, your favorite genres, your dog/cats names, whatever you want... :)

Again, welcome to the group.

Well, I can see everyone jumped on this topic! I'll start ;)

My name's Jennifer and I live in the Midwest. 37, married, no kids, one pet rat named Max. I've been on an Urban Fantasy reading kick for a couple of years now. I tend to read more UF than PRN; I like a dash of sex and romance in my action/drama/mystery. But, the search for good UF has pushed me toward the Romance section in the bookstore a few times; about which my hubby NEVER fails to tease. Outside of UF, I like meaty historical fiction and Sci-Fi/Fantasy.

You can see my bookshelves and my "fan of" list on goodreads, I think, so I won't list those. I use Goodreads primarily to track my books and find new authors. I'm an "on-again-off-again" particpant in the forums, though; just depends on what's going in my life at the moment.

Recently, I've made a conscious effort to read books by new authors (or new to me), particularly stand alones or the first in a series. So far, I think I've made some good choices and have enjoyed the ones I've read. I'll list them below. I'm going to continue this trend for a while, but I'll have to take a "time-out" this coming week to read the new Jenna Black and Jeaniene Frost!

Since I started tracking my books last year and know how many I read, my goal this year is to read 100 books. I did 91 last year. Reading for me is pure escapism -- my ticket out of my own issues. A lot of my entertainment has to have some element of paranormal to really interest me.

I have other hobbies besides reading. I love The Sims computer games, I make beaded jewelry, and I make cards and such with rubber stamps (no scrapbooking! It takes too long!). I keep a LiveJournal (jeniferj.livejournal.com) where I talk about all my hobbies and rant about the world in general. I doubt anyone really reads it. :)

That's all I got! Who else is lurking around out here? :-)

Thanks, Jennifer, for getting the topic started! :)

I'm not a new member, but I figured I'd throw something about myself on here. This group was started by a lovely lady named Suzann whom I befriended and she asked me to join her in moderating the group. After a while, she was unable to keep up due to life's demands and left the group. However, we still keep in contact and meet for lunch every couple of months. Gotta love GoodReads for introducing me to such a great friend! :)

Okay... My name in Theresa and I'm a native of Arizona where it currently is hitting about 115 degrees every day. I'm 28, married to my best friend (Greg), and our "kids" include Hershey (mini dachshund), Zues (black cat who thinks he's a dog), and two bearded dragon sisters (Inca and Kloê).

I have been reading urban fantasy/paranormal/fantasy since I was about 13. I also read a lot of general fiction or mysteries. Occasionally a non-fiction, but that is a rare occurrence.

Outside of reading, I love to watch movies and TV. Greg and I purchased our first DVR last year and now can't fathom having to watch TV live. Oh, the horrors! :)~ We are both avid fans of NASCAR (Dale Earnhardt Jr) and the NFL (SF 49ers). We also love our new Wii and our favorite games are Shaun White World Tour (snowboarding) and bowling. I also bowl (not very well), love traveling, love dark beers like stouts and porters, and enjoy spending time with my family and Greg's family whenever we have the chance.

Hello!! My name is Elvia. I am 30 years old (almost 31 in August), married with three kids (ages 10, 7, and 4). I have been reading UF/PNR for almost 10 years now, and I read A LOT. My family is always asking when I'm going to put the books down and conversate lol. I always read mystery/horror/suspense. And if you can find me a good book that will make me cry, I'm all for that too!
I don't really have hobbies (except reading). I don't have the time with three little ones running around and all the (not)-cleaning I have to do :).
I've decided to try audiobooks so maybe I won't neglect my household duties. Might make it easier to bear doing the dishes when I am listening to a good story about vampires, werewolves, faeries and ghouls.
I am a big tv watcher, especially during the fall. I will sit from 8pm with a book in hand and watch till commercials then flip book open during commercials....maybe I have issues. Oh well. :)

Elvia wrote: "I am a big tv watcher, especially during the fall. I will sit from 8pm with a book in hand and watch till commercials then flip book open during commercials....maybe I have issues. Oh well. :)

I do the same thing! My husband always teases me about how much can I possibly be reading during a few minutes of commercials.

Theresa wrote: "I do the same thing! My husband always teases me about how much can I possibly be reading during a few minutes of commercials."
My husband wondered the same thing then last night I wanted to finish my book...I had about 35 pages left. He was ready for bed. I told him to give me 10 minutes and he laughed. Then he realized I was done within that 10 minutes! lol

I'm Melodie, and have been on Goodreads for awhile and on this board for a few months. I'm 53, married for 35 years, no human kids, but we do have 2 4-legged & hairy ones, Louie & Spike, who are terribly spoiled. Louie is a short-haired Chow and Spike is a mutt. I was born & raised in Dayton, OH, but have lived in the Denver, CO, metro area for the last 31 years, so this is home. My mom & my aunt taught me to read when I was 4 and I've been a bookworm ever since, except for my high school years when I spent my time partying and chasing guys! I read DRACULA the summer before 4th grade and have been a vampire junkie ever since. I read mostly mysteries, UF, some PNR and love pop-culture bios. I love to cook when I have the time and like to travel when I have the money! I don't watch lots of TV, but do love True Blood, Weeds, House, Bones, CSI, Ghost Whisperer and Diners, Drive-Ins & Dives. Am a loyal Colorado Avalanche hockey fan and love football, especially the Tampa Bucs and the lowly Cincinnati Bengals!

I'm Tiffany. I just came across GoodReads a few weeks ago and I am loving it so far! I'm 24 years old (25 in November) and I live in beautiful Las Vegas, NV with my fiance. I grew up in Northeast Ohio in the snowbelt. I learned to read when I was 5 and by the time I was in 4th grade, I had a high school reading level. My first adult book was Cujo by Stephen King when I was 13. Besides UF, I love Fantasy and Horror. When not reading, I work on cross stitches for my family and friends. Also, I breed reptiles, which are leopard geckos, bearded dragons and albino red eared sliders. Hopefully next year my jungle cornsnakes will be ready to breed.

Hi,
I'm Frances. I'm 38 and live in Washington state. I have two small children, a husband, and about 14 tarantulas. Can't tell you which is the most trouble!
I started with Urban Fantasy about ten years ago when I found Charles DeLint. I adore his work and it has led me to a love for crossing worlds. My own Urban Fantasy is due out late next year, and will be my first published novel.
I am a rabid science fiction fan as well, I bellydance, play the ukelele, and write whenever I have a spare minute. I'm also attending a Con this weekend where Patricia Briggs will be, and I'm pretty excited!
(good luck with the cornsnakes, I miss mine!!)

Frances

Frances, what is your favorite DeLint? I have never read any of his work, but I do have Jack of Kinrowan Jack the Giant-Killer and Drink Down the Moon on my TBR shelf at home.

Actually, while I loved Memory and Dream (I'm an artist, so it was close to my heart) I'd have to say the short story collection, Dreams Underfoot. Svaha would be a close second, just because it's so amazingly original.
He really is awesome.
:-) read anything he writes.
Frances

Hi, Im Desiree. Im 25 years old and live in Washington state with my fiance, 2 cats and our 3 year old border collie, keeping us pretty active. I love living in the Northwest and will find any excuse to pick up a good book. My fiance teases me because my nightstand is literally a stack of TBR books :)

I invested in netflix since I don't have cable and can't seem to remember when shows are on, so I enjoy catching up on HBO/Showtime series like Weeds, Dexter, True Blood, and Entourage. I also enjoy biking, jogging, snowboarding, hiking, playing cards, trips to Costco, and hanging out with friends and family.

I joined goodreads a little while ago and am on it like crazy reviewing and getting opinions on the next best book. I'll admit in the past, I would steer clear of the romance and it really wasn't until 2 years ago that I had a completely different take on paranormal and urban fantasy reads. I was more of a sci-fi, historical gal if I had to classify. It wasn't until a friend at work dropped an urban fantasy/romance on my desk and told me I must read it that I truly found an addiction :)

I just finished the 3rd book of Jeaniene Frost's Night Huntress series and loved it! Since I'm currently awaiting on my copy of her 4th book to be delivered, Im finishing up "A Hunger Like No Other" and trying to decide on wether I want to start the BDB or Demonica series first.

Frances wrote: "My own Urban Fantasy is due out late next year, and will be my first published novel. ..."

What's it called, Frances? We'll keep an eye out for it. :)

Hello all! I'm Susan, I'm 36 and live outside of Portland, Oregon with my hubby. Goodreads was recommended to me by a friend of a friend and I have been addicted ever since! I love all things Paranormal since I read Twilight last summer! My current fav's are Anita Blake series, Black Dagger Brotherhood Series, Mercy Thompson Series, Riley Jensen Series and Sookie Stackhouse, just to name a few! I am also a tv junkie! I'm glad to "see" i'm not the only one who reads during commercials LOL, LOL Great to be surrounded by normal people ;)

Good grief!! I seem to be the oldest one here...or maybe just the only one willing to admit it! LOL

Jennifer,
It's called, A Moth in Darkness, and will be the first in the Changeling Race trilogy. Mundania Press is publishing it. My heroine is a modern day witch who has become addicted to Fairy food and Revels.

thanks for asking, didn't mean to promo.
Frances

Frances, it sounds good - I will have to look for it. Do you have a release date yet?

Not an exact date. Right now it's set for late 2010.
I'll post when I know for sure.
thanks
Frances

Hi, I'm Kathy. I'm 30 and have a hubby and two little boys. The oldest starts kindergarten in 2 weeks. I clerk for the county prosecutor's office. I read everything and anything. I'm pretty sure there isn't a genre I haven't read at some point or another. When I'm not reading, I'm writing or scrapbooking. My hubby always says my life revolves around paper and I guess that's true enough.

Melodie wrote: "Good grief!! I seem to be the oldest one here...or maybe just the only one willing to admit it! LOL"

Don't fret Melodie, we are all young at heart!!:)

Melodie wrote: "Good grief!! I seem to be the oldest one here...or maybe just the only one willing to admit it! LOL"

Unless your collecting Soc. Security like me, you're not facing OLD labels...LOL I did all my serious reading when young now I get to play. Fantastic stories are almost all I read beside the occasional book of poetry. I never got to this discussion when I joined a few months ago so Hi all. Lived 90% of my life in Arizona and now my youngest son has taken me in as no one can live on Social Security. Role reversal...I get to stay home and goof-off while HE works everyday!

HI, I just became a part of Goodreads. I live in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and enjoy a wide variety of books ranging from the HP Series and anything by Cornelia Funke to the military fantasy of Black Company. I recently published a novel; Fifth Sun: The Awakening. It is an action fantasy that explores the fulfillment of the Mayan prophecy of the Fifth Sun. It is set in the modern era and weaves elements of telekinetic powers, secret government organizations and threads of a thousand year old story in the adventures of a young family who must save the world. (Website: www.fifthsun.ca) I hope it is a good fit for the members of the Urban Fantasy group and I look forward to hearing what others enjoy reading!!

Sounds right up my alley. I'll definately check it out, thanks.

Frances

Thanks Frances!

My name is Dawn. I am 39 (still doesn't sound right when I say it, I think my Birth certificate must be wrong). I live in NH with my fiancé and SO for the last 12.5 years (I think I might have commitment issues) lol. No kids just lots of animals... I also do lots of Wildlife rehab like raising orphaned and injured small mammals; squirrels, bunnies, chipmunks as well as acting as a sanctuary for some non releasable animals to like ducks etc...It's not my day job but my passion and it's so rewarding.
I actually just discovered UF several months ago after someone introduced me to the twilight series and Stephanie Meyer introduced me to the Mortal Instrument series. I used to read mostly historical fiction like Authorian legend stuff... I am now and UF addict... My man is getting lonelier by the day. Reading is my daily escapism and my only down time. I travel for work a good bit of time so reading is a must in order to deal with the trauma of long lines and waits for flights.
I am a big series fan as I love to really get to know characters and watch them grow and change.
I love this board it's been my best source for building my reading list and I love all reviews and recommendations. I am more of a watcher of boards but am going to make and effort to participate in this one; it's very cool and feels pretty laid back and comfortable.

Welcome to the club Dawn!!! I have really enjoyed the boards and I used to be like you mostly a watcher, but it's very fun to interact and everyone out here is so friendly!

Hi, My name is Jacqueline. I read all kinds of books but lataly it has been UF. I just happen to hear about goodread on another board and decided to join. I love this place. I am addicted to books and look forward to discussing them with everyone here.

Hi, I'm Shomeret. I've been on Goodreads for a while. Melodie knows me from another group. I'm 53 and live in the SF Bay Area with a human roommate and my cat. I love Charles De Lint's Newford books. This year I discovered John Levitt's UF novels that take place in San Francisco and has a musician protagonist with an unusual animal familiar. But my favorite UF of 2009 so far is Amazon Ink by Lori Devoti. I hate formula books. I like well-written books with unusual concepts or characters.

Shomeret

Shomeret wrote: "Hi, I'm Shomeret. I've been on Goodreads for a while. Melodie knows me from another group. I'm 53 and live in the SF Bay Area with a human roommate and my cat. I love Charles De Lint's Newford bo..."

Hey, Shom!! Good to see you here. There are other DeLint fans here, too. Must admit I haven't read him yet. I have AMAZON INK in The Pile and really need to move it up after your review of it on M/T.

Hi! My name is Chrissy. I am 37 years old. I live in NC with my husband and 2 children. I love to read. This past year I have really developed a love of paranormal and urban fantasy books. So far my favorites are Charlaine Harris Sookie Stackhouse series, Patricia Briggs Mercy Thompson series and Kim Harrison Rachel Morgan Series. I try to read whenever I get a chance lately not as much as I would like.

Hi, my name is Leah and I live in Ottawa, Canada. I'm a big fan of Patricia Briggs and I am looking to discover new authors in the urban fantasy genre.

Hello, I'm Vanessa. I live in Ohio where I have no kids or husband but a needy dog and an active library card. I read all kinds of stuff but urban fantasy is my go-to genre for lighter reading. I prefer that greatly over the romance. I like Charlaine Harris these days (but who doesn't?), Kim Harrison, Tanya Huff, Jim Butcher and I've recently discovered Richelle Mead's Succubus series. All in all pretty standard stuff that most of you have already read so I'm looking to broaden my horizons with maybe Patricia Biggs, Kelly Armstrong and/or Rachel Caine.

I joined to get new recommends (I find there's lots of not so good stuff once you get outside of the names everyone knows) and also to discuss these books that I'm so fascinated with. None of my friends read anything in this genre and I'm just itching to talk about it with other readers. Cheers.

Vanessa wrote: "None of my friends read anything in this genre and I'm just itching to talk about it with other readers. Cheers.

I know just how you feel. Most of my friends are readers but they tend to read other genres. I'm anxious to have people to talk to as well.

Leah, you've come to the right place to find new UF authors to check out! Patricia Briggs is one of my favorites too. By the way, we are reading the second book in her Alpha & Omega series (Hunting Ground) for September's Group Read. :)

Vanessa & Schnaucl, same with me and my friends. Most of them read either straight historical romances or mystery/thrillers. I read those too, but UF makes up my primary reading. It is nice to be able to come on here and get other people's feedback. Especially when it saves me money if I'm warned that a book/series isn't that great!

I am counting the days until Hunting Ground is available in books stores! I am looking forward to the september group read.

Leah wrote: "I am counting the days until Hunting Ground is available in books stores! I am looking forward to the september group read."

My copy came yesterday from BAMM! I intend to start it tonight.

Hi. I joined about a month ago, and have not introduced myself. I'm Josie from Australia, 36 with 2 kids. Like others here, I have no one to share my passion of books with, so look forward to chatting with you.

Hi folks, I'm Candace and I live in the good ol' U.S. of A. I work in a volunteer staff capacity for The Leaky Cauldron website and Urban Fantasy is what I primarily love to read, and have done so for the past five years or so. I read a lot of established series but I also happen to stumble upon quite a few first-novels and whatnot. I have a massive list of favorite UF authors but the one at the top of my list is Kim Harrison. My most recent UF reads are City of Bones (YA by Cassandra Clare) and Vicious Circle (Linda Roberts).

I also love to collect urban fantasy cover flats, but currently am only in possession of four.

Hi everyone! I'm Kellie, 21, Canada. Although in just 24 days I am moving to Ireland to do a working holiday. *nervous* I actually just bought myself an ebook reader since my books can't come with me. I'll miss them almost as much as I'll miss my dog.

I created my good reads account not too long ago but became disinterested quickly trying to put in all the books I've ever read. This time around I started fresh by only inputting the books I've read in 2009.
This group is exactly what I've been looking for, as I've always wanted more people that I can chat with about the books I'm reading.

Anyways... I mostly read fantasy, from YA to Epic. A little bit of chick lit here and there. Yay for books! I'm also pretty excited for the next Patricia Briggs books.

Welcome all the new people!! Lots of good books read and recommended around here. Kellie, I just started the new Patricia Briggs book, HUNTING GROUND, last night and am liking it lots more than the first in the Alpha & Omega series, CRY WOLF.

I juusstt ordered my copy like 30 seconds ago (along with a bunch of other books of course =P). I may try to power through and re-read the first two.

Hello, I joined this group today. Urban Fantasy is the category I enjoy most in the supernatural subject area. I remember getting irritated at all the made up names/places/things in a fantasy book I was reading. In the UF books the universes are familiar even though the environment is laden with the magical and the supernatural. I may have Hunting Ground in my TBR pile(s).

Hi there. This is definitely the group for me. Gaiman got me into it.

Hello! I'm Kristin, 25, and recently moved to Vancouver, BC from Texas with my husband and our dog. The road trip up here definitely kick-started my reading frenzy. I go to the library all the time and am loving Urban Fantasy! There are so many books I can't wait to check out. Alright, back to reading...

Hi everyone! I'm Rachel and I'm a book addict. My favorite flavor is Urban/PNR.

Hi all. I'm new to the group. I am a voracious reader. I will literally read ANYTHING. I'm 26, have been very happily married now for 5 years and have a wonderful nearly 11 mo. old super baby named Gwendolen Imagine. :) I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you and can't wait to read the books that have been recommended!

Welcome to the group Kelli!:)

Hello I am Rachel, been an avid reader for years, love UF, fantasy in general and horror. Love Stephen King and Dean koontz but have gotten into UF this year. I dread adding all the books I have ever read, will take forever!!. Live in Oregon, blended, bi-racial family of 6 kids, 2 dogs, 2 cats. Been with Tim for 6 yrs. I do not care for romance(I know I know) so was excited to find a group that wasn't PR based. Really want to read the Sookie Stackhouse novels, loved the Night World and house of Night series.

Hi!! My name is Darcy, I am 36 and single, live in Minnesota, and am currently laid off. The only good things about being laid off is that it is summer and I can sit outside with a book soaking up the sun. I am sure that I will think different if I am still in this situation in the winter.

I love to cook, putter around in my flower gardens, and of course read. I found this site when reading a blog from some authors that I read. I think it is great. So far I have only been marking down the books that I have read or re-read since then. Someday I might take the time to add ones from the past, but I am afraid I might burn out the site.


I consider books my crack and can not afford my reading habit. So I am a heavy library user. The library system where I live is great, you can request up to 100 items, and even be notified when they order a new book from your favorite author. My only problem with that is that I have too many favorite authors and my list is maxed out at 100 almost all the time. My solution to this is the next time a family member comes is for them to get a card, then I can start to fill out another 100. LOL I know I have a problem. But it is a good one to have.

I read most anything, but love mysteries, paranormal, urban fanasty, and sci-fi. I love finding new authors that have a series going, this way I know I will be busy for a while. I don't always feel the need to finish a book once I start it. My test for if a book is good or not is if I want to put off doing things to keep reading. So the reverse it true too, when I start to think about doing the dishes or cleaning the house I know the book is a stinker for me.

I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you and chatting about some great books!!

Welcome to the group Ladies!! Rachel nice to have a fellow Oregonian out here!!:) I'm up in Beaverton!!:)

Darcy hope you aren't unemployed for too long! I'm sure that prospect right now is not an appealing one!!:( Not sure what MN unemployment is like but Oregon's is HORRIBLE!